Blog

The opening day of the Essequibo Zone in the ExxonMobil Guyana-powered Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament for Primary Schools produced a spectacle of high-octane grassroots cricket on Saturday, culminating in four teams securing their spots in the semi-finals at the Anna Regina National Stadium.

Defending champions C.V. Nunes Primary led the charge into the final four, keeping their back-to-back title hopes firmly alive.

Joining them in today’s final-four showdown are Charity Primary, Mainstay Lake Primary, and Lima Sands Primary, following an intense day of knockout action that tested the grit of the region’s finest young cricketers.

The quarter-final stage saw defensive bowling masterclasses, clutch boundary-hitting, and clinical run chases as the initial field of 16 schools was whittled down to the final four.

The defending champions sent a clear message to the rest of the field with a dominant all-round performance as Sparta Primary struggled to break the shackles against a disciplined C.V. Nunes bowling attack, grinding their way to a modest 36-7 in their allotted eight overs.

The champions made light work of the target, blasting their way to 37-2  in 4.4 overs to secure a comprehensive eight -wicket victory.

Charity Primary showcased their chasing credentials in a high-stakes encounter against Suddie Primary, navigating a tricky target with poise.

Suddie managed to post 52-6, giving their bowlers something to defend.

However, Charity’s top order played with freedom and intent, ticking off the required runs inside six overs to finish at 56-2 and seal a comfortable eight-wicket win.

Mainstay Lake’s batting unit stepped up big to bat out Onderneeming Primary as they chased 54 in 6.2 overs, while Lima Sands posted a massive 88-2 and restricted Riverstown Primary to 36-6.

Beyond booking a spot in the national ‘Champion of Champions’ tournament against Demerara winners West Ruimveldt and Berbice champions St. Therese Primary, all four semi-finalists have guaranteed themselves comprehensive cricket equipment bags, agility kits, and electronic scoring tablets to boost their school’s sports programme.

The tournament concludes today at the Anna Regina National Stadium with the semi-finals, followed immediately by the third-place playoff and the grand final.

Admission is entirely free to the public.

FULL SCORES: https://cricheroes.com/tournament/2085988/future-warriors-(essequibo)-primary-school-tapeball-tournament-2026-sponsored-by-exxonmobil-guyana/matches/past-matches

The post C.V. Nunes, Charity, Mainstay Lake and Lima Sands advance in Future Warriors Tapeball appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Tunisia’s miserable World Cup continued as their inability to progress from the group stage was confirmed by defeat against Japan.

After a tumultuous week in which they suffered a 5-1 defeat by Sweden, sacked Sabri Lamouchi and appointed ex-Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard as head coach, it took less than four minutes for them to go behind in Guadalupe, Mexico.

An impressive Japan, who were well drilled throughout, broke the deadlock with a quick counter-attack which ended in Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada prodding home from close range at Monterrey Stadium.

It did not take long for a dominant Japan side to inflict a second blow as Ayase Ueda produced a lovely finish to arrow the ball through the legs of a defender and into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Tunisia looked devoid of ideas for much of the game and gifted Japan ample space, which they used to display their free-flowing possession-based style.

Junya Ito added another when he rolled a simple finish past Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen after being threaded through one-on-one.

Ueda wrapped up victory when he tucked a looping header into the far corner.

Japan were constantly a cut above and were never threatened by a Tunisia side who were pedestrian and had every attack easily neutralised.

Japan have four points and are likely at least to progress as one of the best third-placed sides, but they will hope to earn a guaranteed spot in the last 32 when they take on Sweden on Friday in their final group game.

Tunisia play the Netherlands, who are top of the group, at the same time. (BBC)

 

The post FIFA World Cup 2026: Tunisia out after 4-1 defeat by Japan appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scored twice as the rampant Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a World Cup warning to the favourites.

The big win on Saturday in front of nearly 69,000 at Houston Stadium put the delighted Dutch on the cusp of the knockout rounds and gave them lift-off after being held by Japan.

Ronald Koeman’s side top Group F with four points from two games, ahead of Sweden on three, Japan (one) and Tunisia (zero).

Despite the sobering loss, the Swedes had plenty of chances but were denied by good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing.

Sunderland striker Brobbey got his first start of the tournament and repaid Koeman with predatory goals after five and 17 minutes.

Before that, the 24-year-old had scored only once for his country since making his debut three years ago.

In a game full of top Premier League talent, Liverpool’s Gakpo – who set Brobbey up for the opener – scored twice early in the second half.

Substitute Anthony Elanga from Newcastle United pulled one back for Sweden just before the hour with a classy finish.

West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville had the last word for the five-star Dutch.

Two crew members from the historic Artemis II lunar mission were among the VIP guests, a nod to Houston’s place as the home of space flight.

There was no problem here as the Dutch, twice pegged back in a lively 2-2 draw with Japan to start their title bid, made the brighter start in front of their orange-clad fans and King Willem-Alexander.

It was made in the Premier League, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Gakpo all involved.

Brobbey exchanged passes with Gakpo, before the Anfield attacker crossed in low from the left for his team-mate to stab in from close range.

Sweden, who thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their first game, could not handle Brobbey’s muscular presence.

Up front, the much-vaunted attack of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal were feeding on scraps for Sweden. (Aljazeera)

The post FIFA World Cup 206: Netherlands romp to 5-1 win over Sweden appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Curacao claimed their first ever World Cup point after a remarkable performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room repelled a wasteful Ecuador side.

Miami FC keeper Room pulled off a record-equalling 15 saves to keep out the South Americans in Group E.

The 37-year-old was in stunning form to match USA goalkeeper Tim Howard’s record for the most saves in a World Cup game.

Howard made 15 saves against Belgium in 2014 in a match that went to extra time (also conceding twice in a 2-1 defeat) – but Room’s clean sheet earned Dick Advocaat’s side a historic draw.

His first save came after just three minutes and was arguably the best of the night as he kept out Enner Valencia from close range.

John Yeboah was next to be denied before Room saved again from Valencia among six first-half stops.

Room was even busier after the break as he denied Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Kevin Rodriguez, Nilson Angulo, Gonzalo Plata and others.

Curacao did have a great opportunity of their own on the hour mark but Leandro Bacuna’s strike was saved before Liviana Comenencia had an effort turned away.

Ecuador will rue their missed chances – with 27 attempts in total – and must beat group winners Germany in their final game to progress to the knockout stages, having lost to Ivory Coast in their opener.

Curacao – who lost 7-1 to Germany in their first game – could also qualify for the last 32 if they beat Ivory Coast in their final match. (FIFA)

 

The post FIFA World Cup 2026: Curacao earn first point as Room keeps Ecuador out appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Deniz Undav emerged from the bench to score twice and send Germany through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.

Emerse Fae’s Côte d’Ivoire were on course to qualify after Franck Kessie’s goal on the half hour, but Undav’s close-range header and added-time goal proved enough to see the Germans advance at Toronto Stadium.

Germany almost carved out the perfect start when Kai Havertz won a header from kick-off and fired the loose ball just over the crossbar. Joshua Kimmich then found the frontman with a pinpoint cross, but his low header was beaten away by Yahia Fofana.

Fofana was beaten shortly after when Aleksandar Pavlovic headed home a corner from the right, only for the referee to blow after the Bayern Munich midfielder was adjudged to have led with an elbow.

Les Éléphants hung in though, and sucker-punched the four-time champions down the other end. The ever-dangerous Yan Diomande burst down the left and put in a low cross which fell to the feet of Amad Diallo. While Nathaniel Brown made a block, he couldn’t prevent Kessie from tucking home the rebound.

The Africans held their own at the start of the second half, forcing Julian Nagelsmann to shuffle his pack. He called upon Nadiem Amiri and Undav on the hour and just eight minutes later the former sent an inch-perfect cross for the latter to head in the leveller.

Fae turned to his bench and was almost handsomely rewarded himself. Nicholas Pepe broke down the right, and as Evann Guessand dragged away the German defence, Simon Adingra was left all alone on the left side of the box. However, a loose touch saw him crowded out.

That chance proved to be crucial as, four minutes into stoppage time, Lukas Nmecha slid a clever ball through to Undav, who turned and finished with aplomb to break Ivorian hearts. (FIFA)

 

The post FIFA World Cup 2026: Undav bags brace to see Germany through appeared first on News Room Guyana.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) on Saturday said it’s committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation security while ensuring that all passengers, including persons with disabilities, are treated with courtesy and professionalism.

The airport’s statement came shortly after a passenger, Zaid Khan, complained via a local media outlet of having to remove his pants and prosthetic leg in a private room at the CJIA after being asked to do so by an employee manning the scanners. The incident occurred on June 17 as Khan, a United States (US) citizen, and his elderly Guyanese parents were about to board their flight.

The CJIA said in keeping with the National Civil Aviation Security Programme, additional screening is mandatory whenever an alert is generated or an anomaly is detected at the initial screening checkpoint. “These procedures are implemented not only to ensure that any necessary follow-up screening is conducted in a manner that respects passengers’ privacy, but primarily to safeguard all airport users,” the statement highlighted.

To resolve such security alerts while prioritising passenger safety, standard operating procedures require that passengers be offered two distinct options. Firstly, CJIA said passengers may choose to be screened privately in a dedicated screening room, should they wish to clear the anomaly in a more private setting, or they may select to remain at the main screening area and undergo secondary screening, using a specialised screening machine.

However, it noted that “at no time is the removal of a prosthetic device mandatory.”

Passengers are encouraged to share any complaints or concerns directly with airport management should any member of staff deviate from established procedures.

“All reported incidents will be investigated to ensure accountability where procedure has been breached,” passengers were assured.

To submit feedback, register a complaint, or speak directly with a representative, passengers are asked to contact CJIAC’s Customer Relations Unit through the following official channels:

Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation
Address: Timehri, East Bank Demerara, Guyana

Telephone: +592 261-2281 / +592 261-4347

WhatsApp Support: +592 600-7022 / +592 699-9074

Email: cjiac@cjairport-gy.com

Website: www.cjairport-gy.com

The post CJIA commits to respectful screening of passengers appeared first on News Room Guyana.

It is the ultimate test for any parent.

Two sons playing on opposite teams in a match. Who are you rooting for?

But this is not a kickabout in the local park or a schools’ match. This is a game at the World Cup.

There are four sets of siblings playing for different nations on the biggest stage of all, including Desire and Guela Doue who could face one another this summer.

Born to a French mother and an Ivorian father in the French city of Angers, the brothers play for Paris St-Germain and Strasbourg respectively.

They have taken different paths in international football, with two-time Champions League winner Desire, 21, turning out for France and overlapping full-back Guela, 23, playing for Ivory Coast.

“We tell each other everything and have no secrets,” Desire told French football programme Telefoot about his relationship with his older brother.

“He’s such a massive support for me in my daily life.”

But could their close bond be tested in the United States?

Should France finish runners-up in Group I and Ivory Coast finish runners-up in Group E, the pair will face one another in the last-32 stage in Arlington, Texas, on 30 June.

When Ivory Coast defeated France 2-1 in a pre-World Cup friendly on June 4, Guela sang both countries’ national anthems before the match.

Desire, who had won the Champions League with PSG five days earlier, was an unused substitute.

“It’s a shame I didn’t get to play against [my brother], as this was our first France-Ivory Coast match, but I’m happy, and he isn’t too fed up,” said Guela afterwards.

There has been only one previous case of siblings squaring off against ⁠each other at the World Cup,, external and it happened in back-to-back tournaments.

Jerome Boateng of Germany faced older half-brother Kevin Prince of Ghana in Johannesburg in 2010. Germany won 1-0. Four years later, the pair were on opposite sides again in Brazil when ⁠the group game ended 2-2.

Desire and Guela could well be next.

So, who are the other brothers appearing at this World Cup?

Brothers playing for different countries

The Williams brothers Inaki and Nico are both Basque-born and play together for Atletico Bilbao.

But it is a different story when it comes to international football.

While Nico, 23, was player of the match when Spain beat England in the European Championship final two years ago, older brother ​Inaki, 32, turns out for Ghana.

Australia have selected Aberdeen-born centre-back Harry Souttar, 27, whose brother John, 29, is also at the World Cup with Scotland.

Their mother, Heather, is Australian, and Harry played for Scotland at youth level before switching his allegiance in 2019.

John debuted for Dundee United at the age of 16 and Scotland at 21. Harry captained Australia in their opening 2-0 win over Turkey in the group stage.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Dutch-born defender Derrick Luckassen, 30, joins his half-brother Brian Brobbey, 24, at the tournament.

Sunderland striker Brobbey came on as a late substitute in the Netherlands’ opening group game, a 2-2 draw with Japan.

They share the same mother but have different fathers.

‘We saw our parents cry’

In addition to the four sets of siblings playing for different countries, there are a further three lots of brothers representing their nations at this tournament.

Laros Duarte, 29, started for Cape Verde against Spain on June 17 and was replaced by his younger brother Deroy, 26, in the 61st minute in Atlanta.

And the Rotterdam-born siblings helped the Blue Sharks secure a highly impressive point as the debutants held the 2010 world champions to a shock goalless draw.

“We saw our parents cry,” Laros said after the match. “The feeling is difficult to describe, it’s just something you dream of.”

Curacao are the smallest nation ever, by size and population, to take part in a World Cup.

For a few minutes against Germany on June 14 hey dared to dream after equalising before falling away and losing 7-1.

The team included the Bacuna brothers – former Aston Villa midfielder Leandro, 34, and Juninho, 28, once of Birmingham City and Rangers.

“It’s one thing that we always wished for – when we were kids we dreamed of playing together in one team on one pitch,” said Juninho.

France, one of the powerhouses at this tournament, have Lucas, 30, and Theo Hernandez, 28, in their squad who play their club football for Paris St-Germain and Al Hilal respectively.

“They have this family bond,” France boss Didier Deschamps said when the brothers started together for Les Bleus for the first time in 2021.

“This does not mean that it changes anything, but I will be dealing with two players who have this connection.” (BBC)

The post Oh, brother! The sibling rivals lining up for different World Cup teams appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha scored twice as Brazil comfortably overcame Haiti – who became the first team to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side responded to criticisms of their performance in their opening-game draw with Morocco with a impressive display, albeit against lesser opposition in Philadelphia, to go top of Group C.

Cunha, who replaced Brentford striker Igor Thiago in the starting line-up, scored a fortuitous opener in the 23rd minute when Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix kicked the ball off him and it spun into the net.

However, the forward was the first to react to Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide pushing Vinicius Jr’s shot back out which forced Delcroix to react.

Cunha’s second was a fine finish after Vinicius Jr put him through and he rifled a strike into the top corner nine minutes before half-time.

Vinicius Jr then got in on the act in first-half stoppage time after former West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta played a brilliant ball over the top and the Real Madrid star calmly slotted home past the goalkeeper for his second goal of the tournament.

The only disappointment for Ancelotti’s side was an injury to Barcelona winger Raphinha, who was forced off in the opening 45 minutes and replaced by Bournemouth’s Rayan.

Brazil keeper Alisson did need to pull off a fine second-half save when Ricardo Ade rose to divert a corner on target but the result was never in doubt.

Teenager Endrick was denied a goal on his World Cup debut with the offside flag going up after he netted late on. (BBC)

 

The post FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil beat Haiti to go top of Group C appeared first on News Room Guyana.

Morocco took an early lead over Scotland at Boston Stadium and never looked back.

The Atlas Lions’ solitary goal came courtesy of Ismael Saibari, who ran past the Scottish back line, brought down a well-weighted ball from Brahim Diaz and slammed the ball past Angus Gunn and into the roof of the net 70 seconds into the game.

Saibari’s finish was a record breaker: the fastest so far at FIFA World Cup 2026 and Morocco’s fastest ever at the global showpiece. The victory leaves Morocco with four points and sitting atop Group C ahead of Brazil’s game in Philadelphia.

After the break, the game’s back-and-forth momentum continued. Saibari came close to a second, hitting a deflected shot off the bar after Bilal El Khannouss broke down the left wing and whipped in a low cross.

Morocco came close again moments later when El Khannouss nearly flicked home a near post corner from Achraf Hakimi, only to be denied by Gunn again.

Scotland gained the ascendancy in the final 15 minutes. John McGinn, Ben Gannon-Doak and Scott McTominay attacked in waves as the Tartan Army willed them toward an equaliser, however time ran out as the Atlas Lions hung on for a crucial victory. (FIFA)

 

The post FIFA World Cup 2026: Saibari screamer seals Morocco victory appeared first on News Room Guyana.