CAY HILL--Antigua and Barbuda secured a tense 2-1 win over Cuba in the first match of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) U20 Qualifying match at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex last night. Antigua and Barbuda went ahead in the 15th minute through a goal cleverly constructed goal by the Captain in Javorn Stevens.
The Captain slipped away from his marker inside the penalty box and then had to time his jump to perfection to grab unto a throw and hit the ball pass the goalkeeper.
Stevens then sent his team two up by picking up a loose ball just outside the penalty box and striking the ball into the net. The tall, strong and athletic striker caused a lot of trouble for the Cuban defenders who were unable to control swift moments and precise passes.
Cuba registered its first goal in the 39th minute through a goal-bound header from Lazaro Yasmani Tuero Zanetti.
The score at half time was 2-1. But then the Cubans came out for the second half, fighting aggressively for their country. In fact, they displayed better ball control and took up the majority of the possession.
Both teams played a very strong physical brand of football which kept the medical team busy throughout the duration of the match.
Cuba had a few clear chances to equalise but failed to find the back of the net. Luis Javier Paradela Diaz from the left flank entertained the crowd with his dribbling skills and his ability to get away from his markers but he too missed a clear chance in front of the goal.
With five minutes added for injury time, the Antiguans breathe a sigh of relief when the whistle was blown to end a constant bombardment of their area by the Cubans.
Cuba’s next match is against Puerto Rico on June 17.
