Dominica kicked off its campaign in the Concacaf Nations League on a winning note as they got past host Antigua and Barbuda in their opening Group D, League B match on Saturday at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association Technical Center.
Dominica hit the ground running and created many opportunities to score in the first half, but despite all their dominance on the ball in the first 45 minutes they were not clinical enough in front of goal and the two teams went into the half time break tied at 0-0.
Chad Bertrand eventually broke the deadlock when play resumed getting a brilliant goal from distance.
The Dublanc FC midfielder caught the Antiguan goal keeper off guard with his strike and put Dominica in front in the 46th minute.
The lead was short lived as Antigua got the equalizer a few minutes later.
Goal Keeper Glenson Prince made the initial brilliant save, but the ball fell in the path of Javorn Stevens who levelled for Antigua in the 53rd minute of play.
The Dominican team quickly responded and it was the premier league’s leading goal scorer Travist Joseph who got the go-ahead goal.
Joseph rewarded coach Ellington Sabin’s decision to start him upfront as opposed to the defence as he got onto the end of a Troy Jules cross into the box to put Dominica back in front in the 57th minute of play.
It was then the captain and goal keeper Glenson Prince’s turn to take center stage as he came up with some big saves to keep Dominica in front.
The Dominica defence stood tall as they secured the 2-1 win.
The win puts Dominica level with on points with the Dominican Republic after the first round of matches.
Dominica will play the Dominican Republic in their next match on Tuesday September 10th at 11am at the same venue.
Credit G. Richards
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