 Bermuda 2 Antigua & Barbuda 1
Bermuda edged out Antigua and Barbuda in a thrilling 2 - 1 victory in their CONCACAF Nations League Group D encounter in the Dominican Republic. The match was a tense affair, filled with dramatic moments and end-to-end action.
Bermuda Starting Line-up: - Detre Bell, Ne-Jai Tucker, Reece Jones Jr., Kane Crichlow, Keziah Martin (Roger Lee 82nd), Dante Leverock, Harry Twite, Luke Robinson, Reggie Lambe (Remy Coddington 70th), Djair Parfitt (Blaiz Hall 70th), Nahki Wells - Substitutes: - Jahquil Hill, Milai Perott, Julian Carpenter,, Aunde Todd, Leroy Lewis, Knory Scott, David Jones, Blaiz Hall, Seke Spence - Antigua & Barbuda Starting Line-up: - Zaieem Scott, Zafique Drew, Raheem Deterville (Dannen Francis 59th), Kendukar Challenger, Dion Pereira (Eroy Gonsalves 84th), Quinton Griffith, D´Andre Bishop (Daryl Massicot 59th), Antonio Morgan, Javorn Stevens (Keon Greene 46th)- Substitutes: Jayden Martin, Nicholas Townsend, Zaire Scott, Jahzihno O´Garro, Tyrik Hughes, Zahiem Greene
Bermuda, determined to close the gap on group leaders Dominican Republic, came out firing. Nahki Wells, the team's talisman, almost opened the scoring early on, but his shot was blocked by Antigua and Barbuda goalkeeper Zaieem Scott. The rebound fell to Kane Crichlow, whose effort was deflected into the net by a defender, giving Bermuda a fortuitous lead in the 8th minute.
Antigua and Barbuda, stung by the early setback, responded with a wave of attacks, exploiting some nervy moments in the Bermuda defense. However, Bermuda weathered the storm and held onto their slender advantage.
Just before halftime, Wells unleashed a powerful shot that forced a brilliant save from Scott, keeping Antigua and Barbuda in the game.
Bermuda emerged from the break with renewed determination and doubled their lead in the 48th minute. Reggie Lambe, a veteran presence in the midfield, connected with a cross and fired a left-footed rocket past Scott.
Antigua and Barbuda refused to give up and pulled a goal back in the 69th minute through substitute Daryl Massicot. His wonder strike, a left-footed thunderbolt that beat Bermuda goalkeeper Detre Bell, set up a tense finale.
But Bermuda held firm, displaying resilience and tactical discipline to secure a vital victory. They now sit level on points with the Dominican Republic, setting up a mouthwatering clash between the two sides on Tuesday to decide the fate of the group.
Bermuda will be riding high on confidence after this hard-fought win, knowing that a victory against the Dominican Republic will secure their place at the top of Group D and a spot in the next round of the Nations League. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown!
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