Friday, September 8, 2006

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao: A healthy crowd at Willemstad’s Ergilio Hato stadium enjoyed goals and plenty of entertainment as the Group A matches in the Digicel Caribbean Cup opened in Curacao.

A colourful opening ceremony with over 100 dancing Digi Girls and live music was followed by a goal fest in the first game as Guyana enjoyed a convincing 5-0 victory over Suriname.

Two early goals from Gregory Richardson and Nigel Codrington set Guyana on course as Technical Director Jamaal Shabazz’s Guyanese team started much the stronger of the two sides.

Randolph Jerome’s fine diving header, connecting firmly with Walter Moore’s corner, added to Guyana’s lead and a 3-0 margin at half-time was the least Guyana deserved for their early dominance.

The second half started in much the same vein with Suriname continuing to struggle defensively against the pace of Codrington and Randolph. Codrington’s second goal of the night on 73 minutes, a fine right footed strike from the edge of the penalty area, ended the game as a contest.

Suriname applied late pressure in search of a consolation strike but found Guyana goalkeeper Reynolds in fine form.

Jerome Abrahams’ solo goal in the final minute sealed Guyana’s victory and left Suriname with an uphill challenge to qualify for the next phase of the competition.

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version