On Tuesday, Trinidad and Tobago will face Cuba in a crucial CONCACAF Nations League match at Dwight Yorke Stadium in Scarborough, following their recent 2-2 draw just four days prior.
Match Preview:
Both teams are seeking crucial points in League A Group B, with Trinidad and Tobago (TNT) needing a win to avoid relegation, while Cuba aims to maintain their status in the top tier of the tournament. Their previous encounter on Thursday saw both sides come away with a point after a dramatic game, leaving the Soca Warriors with two points from three matches and the Cubans with three.
Trinidad and Tobago has had a challenging campaign, struggling to find form under caretaker manager Derek King. Despite a strong home record in the previous Nations League season, they have yet to secure a victory this time around. Their performance against Cuba was a positive sign, as they managed to break a two-match scoring drought. However, they must secure a win to avoid relegation and restore confidence ahead of future competitions.
Cuba, under Yunielys Castillo, showed resilience in their last match, coming from behind twice to salvage a draw. While they remain winless on the road in League A, they have demonstrated a willingness to attack, scoring multiple goals for the first time since the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. To avoid relegation, they must avoid defeat, but a win combined with favorable results elsewhere could see them advance to the knockout stage for the first time.
Historically, Trinidad and Tobago has been the dominant side in this matchup, remaining unbeaten in their last four meetings with Cuba, including a memorable 2-0 victory in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Team News:
Trinidad and Tobago:
- Goalkeeper Denzil Smith suffered a knock in the last match and was replaced by Adrian Foncette.
- Kevin Molino returned from international retirement, making an appearance off the bench.
- Sheldon Bateau scored the opening goal in their last outing, while Joevin Jones is expected to feature prominently again.
Possible Trinidad and Tobago Starting Lineup: Foncette; Bateau, David, J. Garcia; Telfer, Powder, Rampersad, Hodge; J. Jones; Molino, Lee
Cuba:
- Orlando Calvo, Karel Perez, Karel Espino, Alejandro Delgado, Dairon Reyes, and Maikel Reyes all retained their starting spots after the previous match.
- Aniel Casanova scored his first international goal in the last game, adding depth to the attacking options alongside Maikel Reyes, who netted his 12th goal for the national team.
Possible Cuba Starting Lineup: Arozarena; Calvo, Cavafe, Morejon, Delgado; Espino; Diaz, D. Reyes, K. Perez, Matos; M. Reyes
Prediction:
Both teams have struggled for consistency, and given their recent performances, it’s unlikely that either will dominate this encounter. With Trinidad and Tobago’s home advantage and Cuba’s need to avoid defeat, the match may end in another draw.
Prediction: Trinidad and Tobago 1-1 Cuba
Expect a tightly contested match with both teams eager to secure points, but neither side has shown enough quality to emerge as a clear winner. This clash could see more tactical adjustments as both coaches aim for a crucial victory to boost their respective campaigns.
