Guyana will look to secure their first victory in League A of the CONCACAF Nations League as they host Guatemala on Friday. After a 2-2 draw with Martinique in their previous match, Guyana sits in fifth place in Group B, while Guatemala is second, following a goalless draw against Costa Rica.
Match Preview
Guyana started strong in their last match against Martinique, going 2-0 up within the first 30 minutes, but they were unable to hold on to the lead and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw. This result put them in a precarious position in the group, as they now risk relegation to League B if they lose to Guatemala and other results go against them. Guyana’s recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last six matches in all competitions, a 3-1 victory over Belize in a World Cup qualifier in June.
On the other hand, Guatemala is coming off a defensive stalemate against Costa Rica, which kept them in the top two of the group. Despite being unbeaten in their last four matches against Caribbean nations, they are still searching for their first away win in League A of the Nations League. A victory against Guyana could secure their place in the knockout stages, depending on the results of other group matches. Guatemala has a strong defensive record against Guyana, having won all three previous encounters without conceding a goal.
Team News
Guyana:
Head coach Jamal Shabazz made two changes to the starting lineup between matchdays one and two, bringing in Jalen Jones and Stephen Duke-McKenna. Isaiah Jones, who scored twice in the draw with Martinique, is expected to lead the attack again, while Omari Glasgow will look to tie Nigel Codrington’s all-time goal record for Guyana if he finds the net.
Guatemala:
Luis Fernando Tena shuffled his lineup for the Costa Rica match, with Nicolas Samayoa, Marco Dominguez, and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing starting in place of Jose Morales, Oscar Castellanos, and Elmer Cardoza. Goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen will be aiming for his 50th appearance soon and will lead a solid backline. Rubio Rubin, who has been a key figure in Guatemala’s attack, will likely start up front.
Possible Lineups
Guyana:
Roberts; Vancooten, J. Jones, Greenidge, Daniel; Bonds, Ferguson; I. Jones, De Rosario, Glasgow; Moore
Guatemala:
Hagen; Herrera, Pinto, Samayoa, Morales; Dominguez, Castellanos; Santis, Galindo, Cardoza; Rubinws
