The Guyana Golden Jaguars opened their 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Puerto Rico on Thursday, giving the team three valuable points in League B, Group A.
The match was played at Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau, where neither side was able to break the deadlock during a closely contested first half. The teams continued to struggle for clear opportunities after the interval.
Guyana finally found the breakthrough in the 78th minute after being awarded a penalty.
Seattle Sounders FC forward Osaze DeRosario stepped up and converted from the spot, giving the Golden Jaguars a 1-0 advantage that they protected through the closing stages.
The victory gives Guyana its first three points in a group that also includes Dominica and the Cayman Islands.
The Golden Jaguars will have little time to celebrate, returning to action on Sunday, September 27, against the Cayman Islands at Windsor Park Stadium. They will then face Dominica on October 1 and October 4.
The Nations League campaign carries added importance because it serves as a qualification route to the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.
The four League B group winners will qualify directly for the Gold Cup, while the two best second-place teams will advance to the preliminary round.
Guyana last appeared at the Gold Cup in 2019, making the current campaign an opportunity to return to the region’s premier men’s national team competition.
The opening victory therefore gives the Golden Jaguars an important early foundation as they begin a six-match group campaign.
