Cuba will face Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday night at the Estadio Antonio Maceo in the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League. Both teams are looking to improve their standings in League A Group B. Cuba currently sits in fourth place with two points, while Trinidad and Tobago are at the bottom with just one point after two rounds of matches.
Cuba began their campaign with a solid defensive display, holding Jamaica to a 0-0 draw despite being reduced to 10 men before halftime. In their next match, they were denied a win by a stoppage-time equalizer from Nicaragua, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, had a tough start, losing 4-0 to Honduras. They followed that up with a disappointing goalless draw at home against French Guiana. Despite strong performances in World Cup qualifiers earlier in the year, the Soca Warriors have struggled to replicate that form in the Nations League.
Cuba’s Recent Form
Cuba’s performances so far in the Nations League show promise, with strong defensive efforts and an improving attack. The team will look to maintain their solid home record in this competition, even though they conceded a last-minute equalizer against Nicaragua last time out.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Recent Form
Trinidad and Tobago, led by Derek King, have struggled away from home, with only one win in their last five away matches. They have also found it difficult to score, failing to find the net in three of those matches. However, the return of veterans Joevin Jones and Kevin Molino could provide a much-needed boost for their attack.
Team News
Cuba:
Cuba will be without Yunior Perez due to suspension, which could lead to a tactical adjustment to a four-at-the-back formation. Karel Espino, who scored his first competitive goal in the draw against Nicaragua, will likely retain his role in midfield. Maykel Reyes is expected to lead the attack, supported by Onel Hernandez and Daniel Diaz.
Trinidad and Tobago:
The Soca Warriors will welcome back experienced players Joevin Jones and Kevin Molino. Toronto FC’s Tyrese Spicer is expected to feature in place of AEK Athens striker Levi Garcia, who is absent after returning from injury. Derek King will hope these changes can spark a more consistent attacking performance from his side.
Predicted Lineups
Cuba:
Morgado; De la Cruz, Morejon, Perez, Blanco; Espino, Diaz, Cordero, Matos, Hernandez; Reyes
Trinidad and Tobago:
Smith; A Jones, David, Garcia; Ramparsad, Gilbert, Gill, J Jones; Telfer, Spicer, Woodley
Prediction
Cuba’s defensive resilience, coupled with Trinidad and Tobago’s struggles on the road, suggests that the hosts could snatch a win if they manage to contain the Soca Warriors’ attack. A closely contested match is expected, but Cuba might edge it with a late goal.
Prediction: Cuba 1-0 Trinidad and Tobago
