Guyana powers past Nigeria 4-1 to move to the semis

Guyana players celebrating. Brooklyn Soccer Life Images

Game report

Guyana conquered Nigeria 4-1 in the International FGSL's quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon at Old Boys and Girls high school.

Delon Lanferman starred for the Guyanese side, scoring two goals. Deshawn Joseph and Clearance Huggins completed the winning side's side scoring summary with a goal each. Yussuf Olajide netted Nigeria's solitary goal.

Guyana embarked their scoring display with an exquisite series of passes. Dominique McKennon found an unmarked Trayon Bobb in the box, who knocked a short pass to Lanferman. The Guyana U-23 player one-timed Bobb's pass with a low shot past Nigeria's keeper Kosi Agbevor.

Guyana international winger Trayon Bobb assisted his side's first goal. Brooklyn Soccer Life Images

Nigeria evened up the game two minutes inside the second period when Olajide controlled Victor Ogumwode's through ball before pacing in the middle of Guyana's defense to unleash an initial shot that was blocked by Kevin Sullavon. The former St. Francis College player collected the rebound off Sullavon and hit a smooth low shot to the left corner of the net beyond opposite keeper Jonathan Copland.

Lanferman handed The Golden Jaguars the lead again in the 54th minute. Huggins started it with a cross that was spilled by keeper Agbevor. The ball fell right at Lanferman, who took full advantage of the opportunity by whipping the ball in the net from the top of the six-yard box.

Joseph made it three for Guyana by directing a free-kick to the bottom left corner of the net with 15 minutes to go from about 25 yards out.

Huggins was the last one who signed the Caribbean side's goalsheet as he cannoned a voluptuous shot from the heart of the 18-yard box. 

Players' voice: Delon Lanferman (2 goals)

Guyana U-23 player, Delon Lanferman, was glad his side moved to the next round of the playoffs.

"I'm happy we reached the semifinals and played good football," he said after the game. "We trained hard and focused in the game. Guyana never won nothing so we're hoping to keep playing good football and win the tournament."

Lanferman netted a double. 

"I feel good scoring two goals but I was supposed to score more than that," he said. "I was supposed to score a hat trick."

Four key notes

1. Swift and smooth Guyana: The Golden Jaguars put up a breathtaking performance as they constantly penetrated down Nigeria's midfield with speedy counter attacks. Lanferman credited his coach, Rawle Hensford, for their style of play. 

2. A yellow win: Guyana tallied four yellow cards. Their two center backs were on a yellow card in the 33rd minute.

3. Nigeria left no shots behind: The Super Eagles smothered Guyana's back four as they took 11 shots, which is just one less than Guyana's tally. But unfortunately only two of their shots were hit on frame

4. No goal for Benjamin: Marlon Benjamin led Guyana in shots, striking the ball four times (two of his shots were on target). However the midfielder ended the game without a goal.

Statistics

Guyana

Shots (on target): 12 (7)

Saves: 1

Fouls: 13

Yellow cards: 4

Red cards: 0

Offsides: 2

Corners: 2

Nigeria

Shots (on target): 11 (2)

Saves: 4

Fouls: 12

Yellow cards: 2

Red cards: 0

Offsides: 4

Corners: 2