Guyana has tough task but morale high
-Dos Santos urges support of the nation
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
November 23, 2003
The Guyana National Under-23 team has been given a tall order. With the odds stacked against them, the Under-23s going into the final second round game of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier at the Blairmont ground this afternoon needed to win by eight goals to sneak into the final stage of the competition.
Standing between Guyana and a place in the prestigious finals is Costa Rica. The Cos-ta Ricans defeated Guyana 7-0 in the first match of the home and away tie.
Guyana's Technical Director Neider Dos Santos yesterday explained that although it is a very tough task to make it into the finals, all is not lost.
"We will be trying to win by the eight goals but it will be difficult. The morale of the team is high. What I have asked them is to play better than we did in Coatsa Rica and I expect them to do that. We have already seen what we have to come up against," Dos Santos said.
The technical director urged full support for his charges who he declared have achieved much since being encamped five months ago. "I urge the people of Guyana to give support to the players. They have done a good job throughout and need the support at home."
Dos Santos disclosed that his side is without injury and should give an improved performance. Guyana will be with out the service of wing-back Walter `Boyd' Moore and Orlando Jilgeous.
Moore was red carded in Costa Rica while Jilgeous received a yellow card each in his last two games.
The Costa Ricans, rated 19th by FIFA, arrived in Guyana on Friday. Kick off time for this afternoon's match is 3 pm.