NEWPORT County AFC winger Keanu Marsh-Brown is celebrating after helping Guyana reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time in the nation's history.

Guyana, who are 177th in the FIFA rankings, sealed their place at this summer's tournament after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belize on Saturday night.

Marsh-Brown, who was making his international debut, helped set up the winning goal for Emery Welshman after Bury midfielder Neil Danns had opened the scoring from the penalty spot for Guyana.

The Golden Jaguars, who are managed by former Derby County full-back Michael Johnson, join the USA, Mexico, Canada, Jamaica and 11 other nations in the tournament.

“Unreal feeling, what a night,” said Marsh-Brown, writing on Twitter.

South Wales Argus:

Manager Johnson told Derby's official website: “I feel absolutely ecstatic for the country itself. It means everything to this country.

"To be able to deliver that and create inspirational stories for the children who can now look up to stars on one of the main platforms in world football, the Gold Cup, is something I'm delighted about."

Guyana is located in the north of South America, and borders Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname.

"Not many people know about Guyana as a country but for it to be talked about alongside the likes of Canada, America and Mexico is fantastic," added Johnson.

"To be able to deliver that is something I will never forget. I really believed this was destiny and that this is Guyana's time – and this is just the start."

Guyana are captained by Sam Cox, who plays for National League South side Wealdstone FC.

“Best day of my life! History has been made,” said the skipper.

“Absolute honour to lead this country to our first ever major tournament!"