An opportunistic 76th minute strike against the run of play saw Guyana edge Bermuda 1-0 at the National Sports Centre last night to grab a commanding position at the top of the standings in the Caribbean Football Union Under-17 World Cup qualifers with one match remaining.

During a relentless period mid-way through the second half which saw the home team almost convert on numerous occasions, Konata Mannings, allowed to roam unchecked deep in Bermuda territory, managed to get on the end of Shaun Sobers' low cross and beat Daniel Johnson with a firm drive that saw a ghastly silence descend upon the crowd.

To demonstrate the significance of the win, Guyanese players and team officials celebrated on the pitch as if they had already wrapped up the tournament.

But coach Neider Dos Santos was quick to downplay his team's inspiring win over the host country.

“I like to analyse things match by match,” said Santos. “But nothing is done yet. We have a match remaining against St.Lucia on Sunday and we are only celebrating tonight's three points. Nothing is done yet.”

For Bermuda, the loss was heartbreaking, especially after squandering countless chances that could have easily seen them secure both maximum points and wrap up the tournament with one match remaining.

“Of course we are disappointed with the result. Especially after playing so well,” said Bermuda coach Kenny Thompson, who felt that his team played well beyond themselves.

“I mentioned to the players at half-time that, based on the first-half, it was going to be a match in which we would have to make the most out of very little chances.

“In the second-half, we had more then just a few chances but we were not able to put them away and that's the difference.

“Guyana got one real chance and it was the chance that they were waiting for and they buried it.”

After the pre-match pageantry had concluded, in which the local team officially unveiled their fresh new national kit to the public, both teams got down to some serious soccer.

Guyana, taking no chances against an attack that hit five past St.Lucia during their opening match, packed six down the back and relied on the quick counter-attack.

With both Manning and Daniel Favorite causing a few anxious moments down either flanks with some forceful runs and Carlos Monkhouse, likewise, stirring up trouble in the middle, Bermuda's defence was kept busy for long spells.

But Bermuda also enjoyed their share of chances as well, with the best falling to Keishan Bean, who blasted a close range shot over the bar. Taurean Manders - superb in the middle - also had a close range shot go just over while Manning had a long range shot go wide at the other end.

Bermuda captain Kyle Outerbridge was replaced by Angelo Simmons shortly before the break after suffering a nasty knock.

Guyana threatened to break the deadlock early in the second half as Manning, Monkhouse and Dwight Peters all came close.

But as the half wore on, Bermuda seemed to gain a slight advantage and had chances of their own to score.

Simmons had most of them but missed several golden opportunities to put his team ahead.

Cornell Castle then had a powerful back post header saved by Guyanese ‘keeper Fidel Smith.

But it was shortly after Guyana's Peters had a shot blocked, that Manning delivered the crushing blow to leave Bermuda in a must-win situation against Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow. Thompson's team will also be hoping St.Lucia can put one over Guyana to help them advance to the next round.

Last night's opening match between St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago ended scoreless.

Bermuda: D.Johnson, M.Burch, R.Richardson, L.Alexander, A.Lowe, K.Outerbridge (A.Simmons, 30 mins), C.Castle (Z.Darrell, 45 mins), T.Manders, D.Swan, K.Bean, A.Russell (T.Watson, 82 mins).

Guyana: F.Smith, S.Seaforth, D.Peters, C.Monkhouse, K.Mannings, Q.Madramootoo, L.Grumble, D.Favorite (S.Sobers, 58 mins), D.Duke, D.Cormack, C.Clarke (R.Small, 69 mins).

Booked: M.Burch (Bermuda)

Men of the match: T.Manders (Bermuda); K.Mannings (Guyana).

Referee: F.Dorsett (St.Kitts).