The Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) first-ever Youth Academy Cup concluded on a dramatic note on Sunday, with Guyana Panthers emerging victorious after a penalty shootout.
The highly anticipated tournament, which kicked off on July 16th, saw two Guyanese U-16 teams, Guyana Jaguar and Guyana Panther, battle it out against visiting academies from Trinidad and Tobago.
While Tinto’s Sporting Academy withdrew due to injuries, the remaining teams delivered intense competition.
The championship match at the GFF National Training Centre was a nail-biter. Neeiaz Baksh put the Panthers ahead in the 30th minute, but Rondell Peters equalized for the Jaguars just before halftime (40+1′). Neither side managed to break the deadlock in the second half, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
After a shaky start with a missed penalty, the Guyana Panthers regrouped and triumphed 4-3, securing the inaugural trophy.
Despite weather disruptions, a total of seven matches were played over five days. GFF President Wayne Forde lauded the competition’s success, highlighting the commitment and skills displayed by both Guyanese sides.
“I am absolutely proud,” Forde stated, “The future of the Senior Men’s National Team looks promising.”
GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph echoed Forde’s sentiments, emphasizing the tournament’s role in youth development.
“This competition provided valuable insights for the Federation’s youth development programme,” he noted.
The GFF Youth Academy Cup is seen as a stepping stone for future opportunities.
Players were selected from the Academy Training Centre (ATC) program and the U-16 National Team, paving the way for enhanced domestic competition in 2025 and beyond.
The GFF is already exploring expansion, with discussions underway to include Caribbean academies and Suriname in future editions, further strengthening the regional youth football scene.
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