Guyana Sports Development Foundation, Inc

A 57th minute header by midfielder Dirk Archer, his first international goal, led the 'Golden Jaguars' to a hard fought 1-0 win over French Guiana and with it, Guyana's first International tournament triumph as the lads from the Land of many Waters claimed the inaugural Suriname Independence Cup Championship, contested at the Andre Kamperveen Stadion, Paramaribo.

The young Guyanese team kept a clean slate in the four-nation tournament with respective 1-0 wins over host Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles.

In a keen tussle, the French who had edged Guyana 3-2 a few months ago in the Parbo Bier Cup competition at the same venue proved to be tough opponents again, but the Jaguars were keen on reversing that result and went about the task in businesslike fashion.

Both teams took some time to size up each other not knowing what would have been on offer either way despite seeing each other in action against other opponents in the tournament.

Guyana's defence stood solid as a rock, marshaled by Captain and elder statesman, Howard Lowe. The midfield too, worked in tandem with the back four and forwards in keeping the opponents at bay.

The French team was no pushovers and this encounter proved to be the toughest of the three games for the Jaguars who were nonetheless, patient and bided their time.

After a goalless first half, Dirk Archer rose above the French Guiana defence to head the ball past goalkeeper Ovel Bonhomme to the delight of his teammates. From this stage, the Jaguars knew that they were closer to their goal of avenging their previous defeat but more than that, winning the tournament for their country.

The remaining minutes saw the French making some promising runs but the Jaguars defended their territory admirably to come out victors.

The entire team was ecstatic when the final whistle was sounded, a historical and emotional moment for a young side representing their country with pride as they became the first team to ever win an international tournament.

Fittingly, Guyana's custodian, Ronson Williams was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament having kept a clean slate in the three matches.

Successful Head Coach Wayne 'Wiggy' Dover wasted no time in complementing his charges for a job well done. He also heaped praises on the technical and management staff for working as a cohesive unit to bring pride and glory to Guyana.