PHILLIPSBURG, St Maarten, CMC – The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Inaugural Under-15 Football Tournament opened with the Dominican Republic defeating Grenada 3-0 at the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex on Saturday.
There were also opening wins for Curacao, Cayman Islands and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
As both teams started the match cautious it was the Dominican Republic who began to turn early possession into chances of this Group two encounter. It was in the 12th minute that Grenada would give up a penalty from dangerous play in the box.
Grenada’s goalkeeper Brett Munroe would display his heroics by saving the early penalty and keeping the score 0-0 at halftime.
In the second half Grenada would get an opportunity themselves from the penalty spot. But just as Munroe made a fantastic save so did his Dominican Republic counterpart Mario Marte.
The first goal of the match would come from Freddy Feliz in the 40th minute. Then Brayan Chang would double the lead in 51st minute.The Dominican Republic would make it 3-0 in stoppage time when Jose Yunior Fancisco scored in the 72nd minute.
In the other group fixture, St Kitts & Nevis and Bonaire drew 0-0. There were numerous chances from both teams but at the end of full time points were shared.
Curacao faced Antigua & Barbuda in the opening group three encounter. The first half saw Curacao scoring three goals on Antigua as Angerick Dorothea made scored in the 4th minute of play, followed by Nathan Bernadina in the 10th minute. Curacao would then score their third goal of the half as Nathan Bernadina scored his second in the 19th minute of play.
The second half would see Curacao continue to dominate the match as Angerick Dorothea made it 4- 0 in the 40th minute of play. Antigua would pull back a goal in the 70th minute from Shalon Knight as the match ended 4 – 1 in favour in of Curacao.