BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC- Host St.Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago recorded comfortable wins to open their campaign in group five of 2012 Caribbean Cup at Warner Park Wednesday night.
The soca warriors hammered French Guiana four goals to one while the homeside pulled off an exciting 2-nil victory over Anguilla.
The Trinidadians were forced to come from behind to secure victory after a scare midway into the first half when French Guiana drew first blood.
Ducan Darcheville shocked their southern Caribbean rivals after finding the nets in the 16th minute of play but his side failed to build on that momentum as the warriors counter attacked.
The marksmen for the twin island republic were Hughton Hector and Jamal Gay in the first half while Keon Daniel and Willis Plaza converted after the interval.
Trinidad and Tobago, who led 2-1 at the half, were in danger of missing the tournament after the Ministry of Sport had decided against funding the trip as a result of a money dispute with the Football Federation there.
The game itself was not without drama as Hutson Charles, coach of Trinidad & Tobago, was expelled from the bench in the 87th minute.
Meantime, fans at Warner Park cheered on their home boys and were thrilled at the scoreline in the second game of the double header.
Early goals from Romaine Sawyer and captain Atiba Harris ensured St.kitts and Nevis were off to a winning start against Anguilla.
Sawyer converted in the 15th minute while skipper Harris found the nets four minutes later.
However a better performance in the second half by the Anguillans stifled any further ambitions of extending the scoreline.
The results have set up a key fixture between T&T and St Kitts today.
The winners of the group will be automatic qualifiers for the main phase of the competition later this year, while there is also a spot for the best second-placed team.