Shabazz takes blame for defeat

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has taken full responsibility for the Golden Jaguars’ 2-3 defeat to El Salvador in the third round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers, but noted that the current crop of players have made significant strides in adapting to a higher level of football.

He made the comment during the post-match press briefing at the conclusion of the Group B game at the National Stadium on Tuesday evening. “I feel very hurt; I feel very exhausted, but I thought we gave everything we had,” Shabazz reckoned.
“I feel proud of the players, the team and the group for the way they fought. I’m not happy with the result, but I think we give a good account of ourselves, and I see this defeat as the pains that we will go through as a growing footballing nation. I accept full responsibility for the result, and take full blame, if any, for what has happened tonight.”
The Jaguars secured the lead from as early as the first minute through Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, but the Central Americans drew level in the 12th minute through an Oseal Romero’s header. Jamie Alas pushed the visitors ahead in the 56th minute, before captain Chris Nurse equalised for Guyana.
However, Rafael Borgos took advantage of a lapse in the Jaguars’ defence to seal the deal for the Salvadorians in the 76th minute. The Jaguars’ best chance of equalizing came in the 88th minute, but the lanky Carl Cort failed to convert the penalty that was awarded after Richardson was fouled in the box.
Shabazz said the team is a work in progress in terms of adapting to this level of football, and he’s pleased with the efforts of the players in trying to lift the profile of the game in Guyana.
He added that the team must be commended for fighting back courageously with their Central American counterparts after trailing on several occasions during the two matches of the Group B Qualifiers.
Last Friday, the Golden Jaguars drew 2-2 with El Salvador in the away game. “Of course, we can see that we need to learn how to keep the lead and how to keep more composure in a tough situation. I think it was an important lesson for us, and I’m proud to be part of this game today and be part of this learning experience, and to be part of this moment for Guyana,” the Trinidadian national pointed out.
Shabazz is particularly pleased with the belief shown by the players, noting that at no point did they believe they could not have drawn level, and ultimately win the game. He said that even after Cort missed the penalty in the dying stages, the Jaguars were still optimistic of finding the equalizer.
Shabazz observed that during the last three games- the international friendly against Bolivia and home and away fixtures against El Salvador- he had seen “more desire, more organisation, more tactical understanding by the players and willingness to make the group effort.”
The Jaguars have two games remaining in the third round of Qualifiers. On October 12, the Guyanese will face Mexico at the National Stadium, while four days later; they will travel to Costa Rica for the final game. After four matches each in Group B, the Mexicans are in the lead on 12 points, followed by El Salvador on five; Costa Rica on four, and Guyana on one point.