The Cayman Islands went ahead in the 84th minute following an intercepted pass in midfield which was swept into the VI penalty area and then fired home by Elijah Seymour for what turned out to be the only goal of the game and the 1000th goal scored in the CONCACAF Nations League. Photo: YouTube

The Virgin Islands (VI) suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Cayman Islands as the fourth edition of the CONCACAF Nations League got underway at the Truman Boden Sports Complex on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. Photo: BVIFA

The VI, playing its first match since reaching the second round of the Concacaf qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026, found the hosts a good match up, especially in front of their home crowd, but were able to more than match their opponents in a cat and mouse first half.

Frankie Beckles made a great save from Jacobbi Tugman in the 21st minute and then had Captain Troy Ceasar to thank for sparing his blushes following a mistake which was hit goalward by Alexander Clarke-Ramírezuntil Ceasar’s last ditch clearance saved a certain goal.

There were threats to the Cayman goal, but all were thwarted by a well-organised defense.

1000^th goal of Nations League

As the second half came with the score still deadlocked at 0-0, the VI were looking very dangerous on quick transition.

Both teams made changes to rest tired legs in baking hot and humid conditions, but it was the home team that went ahead in the 84^th minute following an intercepted pass in midfield which was swept into the VI penalty area and then fired home by Elijah Seymour for what turned out to be the only goal of the game and the 1000^th goal scored in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Lack of fitness affected VI- Coach Kiwomya

According to Coach Christopher M. Kiwomya, “The teams were similar, but lack of fitness from the boys showed during the game and that proved a big difference, which was partly down to a shortened preparation time."

Despite the game coming in off season and following tough games in World Cup Qualifying, Kiwomya has high expectations and wants to instil the same in the players.

“We have a come along way, but also have a long way to go and have done really well in some big games against opponents that traditionally have been far better than us. It wasn’t a great game and definitely one we could have won, but having reached so deep towards the end of the match we should have been able to shut up shop and get back on the bus with a point. Now we have to take on St Kitts / Nevis which could prove an even bigger battle. We will train, get some renewed belief and play with pride and passion.”

Other results

In other results and in League C, Group B, Anguilla also made history with its first ever victory in the Concacaf Nations League with a 2-0  victory against Turks and Caicos Islands, whilst in League C Group A , the lone draw of the day came between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Bahamas as the former rallied from 3-1 down to level the game at 3-3 and share the points.

The VI squad includes Frankie Beckles, Troy Ceasar (captain), Miquel Marshall, T’Sharne Gallimore, Luka E, Chalwell, Tyler Forbes, William Green, Tyler Scarff, Juston Smith, Jaden Abrams, Christian Javier, T’Khoy Morton, Alejandro Santos, Azarni Callwood, Denvin Jones, Ikyjah Williams, Jadon Abrams, Jaadon Quashie, Joel Mars, and Mekhi Waters.

The Head Coach is Christopher M. Kiwomya, Clyde Jones, Assistant coach, Lenon Audain, Manager and Levi James, Physio.

Next up for the BVI is a game against St Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday, September 10, also to be played at the Truman Boden Sports Complex in the Cayman Islands. Kick Off is at 4.30pm (VI time).