Cuba and T&T draw 1-all
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE CFU Under-23 Olympic Qualifiers got off to a great start last evening (Nov. 24) with Suriname proving its on-field dominance against St. Kitts-Nevis, and Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago completing their game with an even score.
In the first game of this round of competition, Cuba and T&T took to the field and, despite some skillful maneuvering of the ball between the Soca Boys, Cuba was successful in finding the back of their nets.
That goal was scored by Keilen Garcia Estrada in the 21st minute.
A seemingly undaunted T&T, three minutes later, capitalised on an opportunity and Jamal Gay made no mistake in ensuring that he scores the equaliser.
The equilibrium was however not broken as attempts by both teams to score more goals were thwarted by their respective goalkeepers and defenders.
That game ended in 1-all.
The evening’s second match featured host country St. Kitts-Nevis and Suriname, with the latter emerging victorious.
Fifty-nine minutes were spent at play with several wasted opportunities before Giovanny Waal sent Suriname ahead of the Sugar Boys.
Seeking an equaliser, St. Kitts-Nevis fought bravely throughout the remainder of the game but failed to transform opportunities into goals, which cost them the game.
Although somewhat disappointed, St. Kitts-Nevis’ coach Jeffery ‘Perdo’ Hazel told SKNVibes that the team is aware of its mistakes and would be correcting them for the upcoming game.
“It was an emotional loss. A number of opportunities were not capitalised on and, defensively, we were a little bit off in the second half and that is because we threw everything into the wind to get an equalising goal…But we are still in high spirits and we are preparing for Saturday’s game.”
The Warner Park Football Stadium will come alive again tomorrow (Nov. 26) at 6:00 p.m. when Cuba will come up against Suriname and St. Kitts-Nevis will tackle Trinidad and Tobago.
