Saint Lucia’s senior national men’s football team won 2-1 against Guadeloupe in a Concacaf Nations League encounter, with a crowd of around 2700 fans watching at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Gros Islet.
This was Saint Lucia’s first victory over Guadeloupe in 21 years. The home team scored twice in the second half, with No.7 Caniggia Elva equalizing in the 45th minute and No.9 Jevick Mac Farlane scoring in the 58th minute. Guadeloupe’s No.4 Jerome Roussillon had scored first in the 29th minute. The two teams will play in Guadeloupe again on Sunday, October 15th.
The Saint Lucia football team led by Terell Thomas and coached by Stern John. On debut, Vieux Fort-born, Germany-based Caniggia Elva tied the encounter 1-1 in the 45’ as Saint Lucia pushed for the equalizer before halftime. Janoi Donacien advanced the action before Elva received a pass inside the box.
The final line of defence, Davy Royard, was there to block Gregson President’s breakaway attempt in the last 55′. A minute later, Royard made another stop to preserve the score tied.
Jevick Mac Farlane gave the home team a 2-1 lead in the 58th minute with a goal-bound right-footed volley. As Saint Lucia completed an attack through the left flank, Elva supplied the through ball.
In the 89th minute, second-half substitutes Vikash Tille and Kilian Bevis came dangerously close to scoring the equalizer, but keeper Vino Bartlett made the save with his hands.
Ultimately, it was a fitting tribute to Bartlett, who celebrated his 24th birthday on the day Team Saint Lucia left the island on Friday for Guadeloupe for their return leg, which will be played on Sunday, October 15th.
