Antigua and Barbuda were eliminated from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-14 Challenge Series, following a two-nil (2-0) loss to Barbados in their final Tier II, Group A contest at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Trinidad on Tuesday.
The defeat means Antigua and Barbuda finished with one win, a draw and a loss to end second in the group.
Both goals were scored in the second half with Sacha Pounder breaking the deadlock in the 59th minute. He lined up a free-kick on the right side and curled a left-footed effort into the top left-hand corner.
Buoyed by the goal, the young Barbadians displayed their attacking prowess. Jamarco Johnson, Maleek Peters, and others, continued their relentless runs behind the Antigua and Barbuda defense.
Maleek Peters sealed the win for Barbados in the 67’ after Johnson stormed the penalty area. The initial shot was blocked before falling to Peters, who hit home from close range.
The match started as a cagey affair, with both teams sizing the other up. The Young Tridents, who had already sealed a semi-final spot, looked to organize behind the ball. Antigua and Barbuda, second in group play only by goal difference, needed a win.
Antigua and Barbuda displayed dogged determination to prevent the damage from worsening. Two late forays into the Barbados penalty area in the second-half stoppage time, while they did not result in goals, ensured that they didn’t concede on the other end.
The referee’s final whistle saw Barbados maintain a perfect record with the maximum 12 points and a place in the semis slated for August 23. They take on Group B winners, Turks and Caicos Islands, at 4 pm on Friday.
Bermuda, Group C winners, will face Anguilla (best second place Tier II team) in the other semi-final at 6 pm.
