Winning start for Guyana in Men’s U-17 World Cup qualifiers

The national men’s Under-17 football team has ignited their World Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bermuda at the Estadio Francisco Morazán in Honduras.

In a tournament where only the group winners secure a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, Matthew Stewart’s second-half goal proved the difference in a cagey Group H opener in San Pedro Sula.

The contest was balanced on a knife-edge during a tense first half. Guyana had goalkeeper Nyall Kendall to thank for keeping the scores level in the 42nd minute, as he produced a vital fingertip save to deny Na’im Zuill’s goal-bound long-range effort.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute. Mark Glasgow turned provider, carving out space to find Matthew Stewart on the left side of the area. Stewart made no mistake, rifling a left-footed strike into the back of the net to spark jubilant celebrations on the Guyanese bench.

The result puts Guyana in a strong position in a formidable Group H, which also features hosts Honduras and regional rivals Suriname.

Under the qualifying format, there is no room for error; 34 nations have been split into eight groups, with only the eight group winners progressing to the World Cup.

Guyana are aiming to join the likes of Mexico and the USA, who secured their berths in the previous edition of the qualifiers.

Guyana face a daunting task on Sunday as they take on Honduras in what is being billed as a group-deciding fixture.

They will then conclude their group campaign against Suriname on February 11.