Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors defeated Guyana Jaguars behind three first-half goals (3-0) in their opening-round 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at the Pan American Stadium in San Cristobal in the Dominican Republic on Thursday night.
The Soca Warriors moved to the top of Group F and ahead of St Kitts & Nevis which defeated Puerto Rico 1-0 on Wednesday night. The latter will host T&T on Sunday.
The Soca Warriors opened their account when midfielder Levi Garcia, who plies his trade for AEK Athens in Greece, opened the scoring after he robbed two defenders on the goal-line and fired a right-foot shot into the goal beating goalkeeper Akel Clarke for placement in the eighth minute.
Eight minutes later, defender Sheldon Bateau extended to the T&T lead when he scored when he raced into the penalty area behind the defence and the ball hit his body and raced into the goal of a Garcia's freekick from about 25 metres out.
Midfielder Jovin Jones got an opportunity to put his name on the scoresheet penalty spot after defender Trayon Bodd fouled striker Ryan Telfer, who attempted to dribble past two defenders. Jones right-foot shot was save by the keeper's out-stretched right-hand which diving to his right, and on the rebound, Jones again had his second attempt saved by the keeper's right and his third attempt all in one play, went out of play.
However, two minutes from half-time, Telfer, then made it 3-0 when he challenged the keeper for a ball that was played upfield by the T&T goalkeeper Nicklas Frenderup. The Guyanese keeper Clarke missed judged the fight of the ball and was caught outside the penalty area and in his attempt to retreat into his area the ball slipped through his hands and legs and Telfer kicked the ball into an open goal.
Guyana had two good chances in the first half but the T&T defence which was well marshalled by goalkeeper Frenderup, who earned his first national cap along with Daniel Phillip withstood that pressure.
The second half was an even contest with both team building plays but not executing effectively. However, the second stanza was dominated by players from both teams being showed Yellow cards, two from T&T Telfer and Phillips, while and two from the opposition.
Meanwhile, the concerns within the T&T senior men’s football team camp ahead of the match on Wednesday about a possible coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak turned out to be false.
This after a retest result for the previously unnamed player was received and was deemed negative yesterday.
In keeping with T&T Football Association (T&TFA) medical protocol and best medical practice, the media release said: This player would remain isolated from the squad until a second consecutive negative result has been achieved.
Isolated training and travelling privileges would be allowed to maintain social distancing from the rest of the squad and strict hygiene practices as best as possible at all times.
Once a second negative result has been achieved, this player would be reintroduced into team activities and eligible for participation in the second World Cup Qualifier against Puerto Rico on Sunday.
T&T starting team: 21. Nicklas Frenderup (GK); 2. Aubery David, 4. Sheldon Bateau, 12. Robert Primus, 15. Neval Hackshaw; 18. Michel Poon-Angeron, 8. Khaleem Hyland, 19. Daniel Phillips, 11. Levi Garcia, 7. Ryan Telfer, 3. Joevin Jones.
Subs Used: Judah Garcia replaced Jovin Jones; 13. Brent Sam replaced Ryan Telfer; Noah Powder replaced Levi Garcia; Justin Garcia replace Sheldon Bateau.
Subs Not used: 1. Marvin Phillip (GK), 22. Adrian Foncette (GK), 5. Leland Archer, 6.Radanfah Abu Bakr, 9. Willis Plaza, 14. Andre Boucaud, 16. Marcus Joseph Jr, 23. Jabari Mitchell.