By Neto Baptiste
The Antigua and Barbuda Senior Women’s Football Team, the Benna Girls, fell to defeat in their second match of the revived Women’s Leeward Islands Challenge Series on Tuesday, falling 1-0 to hosts Anguilla at the Raymond E Guishard Technical Centre in Pope Hill, The Valley, Anguilla.
The loss was Antigua and Barbuda’s first in two matches with the lone goal of the match coming in the 14th minute from Sharanya Smeins. There were four yellow cards issued during the match with Antigua and Barbuda’s Gabrielle DeSouza and Kevoncia James cautioned in minutes 56 and 73 by the referee.
Anguilla’s Jackeedah Bryan and Coleen Cheyenne Johnsons were booked in minutes 78 and 90 +2 respectively.
In their opening clash on Monday, team Antigua and Barbuda rallied to a convincing 5-0 triumph over neighbours and rivals St Kitts & Nevis.
DeSouza led the way with a double strike, netting in minutes 19 and 29. There were single conversions from veteran Kai Jacobs in minute six, Nicelle Drew in minute 17 and Ajhana Martin in the 14th minute.
The Challenge Series will have matches daily, concluding with the bronze- and gold-medal matches Saturday, Dec. 21, at 3:30 pm (bronze medal match) and 7 p.m. (gold medal match) Atlantic.
Team Antigua and Barbuda: Anik Jarvis, Amyah Hodge, Alyssa Laviscount, Zolique Samuel, Denesha Samuel, Jada Benjamin, Nicelle Drew, Rrisja Simon, Kevoncia James, Kai Jacobs, Gabriella DeSouza, Ajahna Martin, Denovia Jarvis, Karmellia Hughes, Brenna Roberts, K’niece Browne, Virginia Simon, Carlene Thomas, Ozora Roberts, Jessica Powell, Azaliyah Peterson, Zoya Simon and Kayla Martin.
The team is being coached by former senior national player, Karen Warner. Antigua and Barbuda will take on the USVI on Friday.
