 Updated: Group A of the 2025 CONCACAF Under-17 Men's Qualifiers kicked off in Bermuda with two matches at the Flora Duffy South Field Stadium at the National Sports Center, with teams vying for a coveted spot in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Turks and Caicos Islands Off to Winning Start
Anguilla 0 Turks and Caicos Islands 3
In a historic moment for both nations, Anguilla and Turks and Caicos Islands made their debuts in the final round of qualifying.
Turks and Caicos Islands made a strong statement in the first half, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead. Wepsdel Saintilus opened the scoring just two minutes into the game, followed by two goals from Schuyler Sean Selver in the 24th and 36th minutes.
Despite a spirited effort from both sides in the second half, neither team could add to the scoreline. Turks and Caicos Islands secured a valuable three points with a convincing 3-0 victory.
Curaçao Overpowers Bermuda in CONCACAF Qualifying
Bermuda 1 Curaçao 6
Bermuda suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Curaçao in their opening Under 17 Boy’s CONCACAF qualifying match. The two nations met for the first time in the qualifiers, with Bermuda making their fourth appearance in the final round and Curaçao their ninth.
Bermuda Starting-Line-Up: Jahneel Maria (Curtis Jackson 66th), Logan Jimenez, Emeer Peets, D’Ari Coddington, Harlem Bean Fox (Noah-George Outerbridge 66th), Roger Williams (Kennahz Fray 46th), Na’im Zuill (Blayz Borgesson 46th), Isai Gibbons (Dakari Smith Davis 46th), Kalen Brunson, Sami Carolo, Dakayo Leverock - Substitutes: Grant Reese, Syhon Goater, Tyler Steede, Amir Brangman-Johnson - Curaçao Starting Line-Up: G. Bonevacia, D. Busby (C. Benita 71st), J. Valentijn, K. Penso, D. Anastacia (A. Jops 71st), M. Jansen, J. Molenaar (T. Lucas 71st), J. Ortela, R. Nivillac, S. van Woerkom (N. Isenia 85th), J. Polonius (T. Bregita 90th) - Substitutes: - F. Bakhuis, K. Brazil, J. Cijntje, J. Giterson, K. Martis
Curaçao dominated the match, ultimately running out 6-1 winners. An early own goal in the 8th minute gave Curaçao the lead, and D'Shawn Anastacia doubled their advantage in the 17th minute. Curaçao maintained their 2-0 lead going into half-time.
Within a minute of the restart, Dayvi Busby extended Curaçao's lead, and Busby struck again in the 62nd minute to make it 4-0. Bermuda managed to pull a goal back in the 71st minute when substitute Kennahz Fray converted a penalty to make it 4-1. However, Curaçao's four-goal cushion was restored in the 87th minute with a second own goal, making the score 5-1. In stoppage time, substitute Taysison Bregita added a sixth goal for Curaçao, sealing a comprehensive 6-1 victory.
Coach Aaron Lugo told Islandstats.com, “Tonight was a rough one... The players and staff arrived on a high, feeling confident with our players ability and understanding of what was being asked of them.
The Curacao team was a good side that was organized and well drilled. Very few mistakes, so hats off to them. We now have to pick our heads up, go back to the drawing board and get a positive result in the next match.
We had a few good moments, our players grew into the game but it still wasn't enough. Thank you to the family, friends and supporters of the boys. We heard you and we hope to hear you again on Sunday evening.”
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