By Neto Baptiste
A 20-member national under-23 football squad is currently in the Dominican Republic where they will contest Group D of the 2019 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifiers.
The squad, which is coached by US-based Michel Dinzey, includes one England-based player in goalkeeper Christian Corbett who features for Manfield FC. Jernya Oscar (Sea View Farm FC) and Jayden Martin (FC Aston Villa) are the other goalkeepers in the squad.
Vashami Allen (Grenades FC), Jahzihno O’Garro (Parham FC), Cardel Robert (FC Aston Villa), Aidan O’Kelly (unattached) are the defenders currently in the DR.
The forwards are Javorn Stevens (Hoppers FC), Denie Henry (Cedar Grove FC), Shackwon Simon (Liberta FC), D’Andre Bishop (FC Aston Villa) and Tyrique Tongue (SAP FC).
Midfielders Ajarnie Thomas (All Saints United), Daniel Nanton (Willikies FC), D’Jarie Sheppard (Willikies FC), Ronaldo Flowers (FC Aston Villa), Sheldon Christian (Fort Road FC), Niall Harney-Rogerson (North Coast FC) and Jalauen Bishop (Pigotts SC) rounds off the selections.
Lenny Hewlett is the assistant coach with Cedric Joseph as manager. Malcolm Challenger is the equipment coordinator while Holger Gehrke in the goalkeeper coach.
Antigua and Barbuda will open their campaign against Puerto Rico on Wednesday (17 July) at 2:00 p.m. before facing hosts Dominican Republic on 19 July at 4:30 p.m. The young Benna Boys will round off their campaign on 21 July at 2:00 p.m. against St. Lucia.