SAINT Lucia born professional striker Caniggia Elva led the offense on his debut for the National Senior Men’s Football Team and helped the home side defeat Guadeloupe 2-1 in a CONCACAF Nations League matchat the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground [DSCG] Thursday night.
Though the French visitors made early inroads to take the lead in the 29th minute, Saint Lucia fought back gallantly with a goal in the first half of play and another in the second half to savour a well-earned victory.
It was the first time in more than 20 years that Saint Lucia had beaten Guadeloupe, prompting the visiting coach Jocelyn Angloma to state that Team 758 has upped its game over time.
Head Coach of the Saint Lucia squad Stern John was pleased with the results, saying that though Guadeloupe is a “well-oiled” team, the home team has the quality of players to match up to the challenge.
With this resounding result, Saint Lucia maintains the lead in League B, Group A after three group games; and Team 758 is now poised for promotion with Guadeloupe, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Sint Maarten rounding out the group in that order.
Jerome Roussillon put the visitors ahead in the 29th minute after connecting on a long pass from Andreaw Gravillon. Roussillon brought the ball down inside the box with his left before striking with his right.
On debut, Vieux Fort-born, Germany-based Elva tied the encounter 1-1 in the 45th minute as Saint Lucia pushed for the equalizer before halftime. Janoi Donacien propelled the play forward before passing to Elva inside the box.
Elva shot a powerful left-booter deftly into the far corner that sent the vociferous crowd into a cheerful frenzy, particularly with the Vieux Fort fans rooting for the young dashing striker.
The home side continued to apply pressure with some sharp offensive play and with the crowd of supporters bellowing in the stands, Team 758 went for the kill.
Gregson President was denied on a breakaway in the 55th minute as Davy Royard was there to block the shot. Royard had another save just one minute later to keep the score level.
Jevick Mac Farlane put the home side in front in the 58th minute with a right-footed shot into goal. Elva provided the through ball as Saint Lucia completed an attack through the left flank.
Second-half substitutes Kilian Bevis and Vikash Tille of Guadaloupe nearly connected for the tying goal in the 89’, but goal keeper Vino Barclett denied Tille’s header.
In the end, it was a fitting tribute to Barclett who celebrated his 24th birthday on the day.
At the post-match briefing, John said the team was in a better position than it had been before and acknowledged the inclusion of professional players in the team buildup. “I feel it’s a lot better,” he asserted. “In Caniggia’s case, we looked at his season’s goals and his assists…and he led the line well with his experience.”
The coach hinted that there may be some changes to the squad for the return leg match, this weekend since several of the players got “banged up” in Thursday’s game.
“A lot of guys ran a lot of miles, tonight (Thursday) and we have to look after them and we may have to change the system …and we’re trying to go there and get a result as well,” he said.
Caniggia is the offspring of former national footballer and professional Titus “Titi” Elva and somehow emulated the busy and dynamic prowess of his dad. He spoke on his approach to the game situation: “I guess it depends on the game, I just like to give my all for the team, and 100% where I can …and my role in the team is to be a leader,” he said. “The experience, which I’ve gained in Europe, so far, I try to bring that into the team and teach like a couple of the offensive players what they should do and how their movements should be. And really about getting the team to know how I play … but it takes time. We are about to gel and I feel from there, it’s only going to get better again.”
Team Saint Lucia will face Guadeloupe on the return leg tomorrow.
[R.A.]