NATIONAL COACH Angus Eve contends that nobody expected Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s team to be in their current position, given that his team is in a rebuilding phase.
Much is at stake when Group A leaders T&T and third-place Guatemala square off tonight at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, in Port of Spain, where Salvadorian referee Ivan Barton takes charge of the action from 9 p.m.
Four days later, on Tuesday night, preliminary matches end with Guatemala squaring off with second-placed Panama in Panama City, while T&T travel to Curacao.
Now that Soca Warriors top Group A, of CONCACAF Nations League A, Eve is banking on great home support to get a vital and desired victory tonight against also unbeaten Guatemala.
Eve described his players as fighters for the national jersey, despite some having only seen regular playing time since last month, when Eve dropped 13 regulars, and revamped his squad with younger players follow a disappointing showing at the 2023 Gold Cup.
Despite not always having the run of play, the Soca Warriors have won their last two matches. Since then, players like goalkeeper Denzil Smith, Justin Garcia, youngster Nathaniel James, and injured pair of Shannon Gomes and Malcom Shaw have announced themselves to the national community.
“I think what people have seen from this group is their willingness to fight for the country,” stated Eve, who also wants the country to fight for his team as well, by coming out and supporting them.
The Soca Warriors are the only team from League A to emerge from the September window with six points from their two matches, putting them in position to clinch a top-two finish later this month. The Soca Warriors won their home opener 1-0 over Curacao—thanks to a late winner from debutant Nathaniel James—before collecting another three points in a wild 3-2 comeback win in El Salvador, with defender Justin Garcia bagging the winning goal.
Guatemala have also impressed, earning a 2-0 home win versus El Salvador on goals from Carlos Mejia and Pedro Altan and then going toe-to-toe with Panama in a 1-1 draw, with Oscar Santis providing a second-half equaliser.
Like his coach, T&T striker Ryan Telfer also believes that it will take a fighting effort against a Guatemala team, whose outstanding midfielder Carlos Mejia needs to be paid special attention.
“I think it all about matching the intensity and the level they are going to bring,” opined Telfer, scorer of a brilliant equaliser against El Salvador. “There is no doubt that Guatemala is a good team,” he added. “They got some good results and they tied against Gold Cup finalist Panama.”
A win tonight will see T&T secure a top-two, Group A finish, and a quarter-finals berth. Victory could also secure a high seeding for the Soca Warriors when CONCACAF Zone qualifying for the 2026 World Cup kicks off next March.
A point tonight guarantees T&T a place in League A for the 2024 Nations League, and still keeps alive hopes of a 2023 National League semi-final spot. Such a scenario is mired in the danger of having to travel away to face a star-studded and dangerous Curacao team desperately seeking points to stay in League A.
Eve will be hoping for a repeat of their last meeting in June, when T&T won a friendly 1-0 in the USA, prior to both teams competing at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. “We know what Guatemala brings to the table,” noted Eve. “And we will prepare for that.”
Back in the squad is defender Alvin Jones, having been replaced by Shannon Gomes for the matches against Curacao and El Salvador.
Jones, famed for his stunning long-range goal against the USA in 2018, admitted not enjoying watching the action from the stands. “I’m very grateful to be back here once more,” he said. “I’m just excited to be out there on Friday.”
Mexican Luis Tena takes charge of Guatemala, his first senior national team head coach position, having also coached top Mexican clubs Santos Laguna, Cruz Azul, Chivas and America. Tena was also former assistant-coach to Mexico’s senior team and also Mexico’s U-23 national coach.
Tickets for tonight’s match are available on matchday and are also available for purchase online at Eboxtickets.com and at Fan Zone Sports Stores and Fan Club outlets. Admission is $50 (uncovered stands) and $100 (covered). Children 12 & under are free.
T&T SQUAD:
Defenders: Aubrey David (captain), Kareem Moses, Jesse Williams, Justin Garcia, Ross Russell Jr, Alvin Jones
Midfielders: Kaile Auvray, Neveal Hakshaw, Andre Rampersad, Michel Poon-Angeron, Kristian Lee-Him, Andre Raymond, Kevon Goddard, Duane Muckette, Noah Powder
Forwards: Nathaniel James, Real Gill, Ryan Telfer Reon Moore, Tyrone Charles
Goalkeepers: Denzil Smith, Christopher Biggette, Jabari St Hillaire