Despite putting up a determined effort, Saint Lucia was beaten by Guadeloupe 0-2 in an away match of the Concacaf Nations League, on Sunday, and will now have to regroup and reassess their chances for promotion as they play their final match next month.
Consequently, Saint Lucia was displaced at the top of the points table and Guadeloupe is the new leader in Group A of League B as the 2023–24 Concacaf Nations League continued last Sunday.
‘Les Gwada Boys’ bounced back from a loss to Saint Lucia, last Thursday (October 12), at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground [DSCG] and now top the group on goal difference.
On Sunday, Guadeloupe converted two goals in the second half of play with one from the penalty spot and another later in that session. And though Team 758 countered with some strong offensive play, some good saves from the opposing custodian kept them at bay.
Guadeloupe was victorious, 2-0, over Saint Lucia at the Sainte-Anne Municipal Stadium in Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe.
Ange Plumain delivered another brace on home soil to bring his tally of the season to four goals. Plumain also led Guadeloupe with two assists in the tournament and tried to play the role of assist man on set pieces.
Jerome Roussillon, who scored in the previous match against Saint Lucia, nearly scored off the best Guadeloupe attack in the first half. Saint Lucia goalkeeper Vino Barclett came up with one of his five saves of the day to keep things even through halftime.
Bartlett gave up a penalty in the second half as Kilian Bevis went down inside the box. Plumain stepped up to convert in the 52’ with a smashing ball to the top left corner.
Guadeloupe goalkeeper Davy Rouyard also had a notable day in goal, coming up with a crucial stop in the 60’ to deny Caniggia Elva. Rouyard made another denial in the 67’ on a hard-hit ball from Gregson President.
Plumain extended the lead in the 71’ after a corner kick ended in a second goal for Guadeloupe. Plumain dribbled into the area and shot it past Bartlett.
Rouyard came up clutch again in the 90’+2 to deny a header from Elva and a goal that would have both sides leveled on goal difference.
Saint Kitts and Nevis vs. Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten edged Saint Kitts and Nevis, 1-0, at the SKNFA Technical Center in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Kalonji Clarke had a good look at goal in the 10th minute but Sint Maarten goalkeeper Tyrell Richardson was there to make the save.
Ilounga Pata scored the lone goal in the 32nd minute by striking from the right side of the box across to the left corner of the goal.
Gerwin Lake tried to extend the lead in the 48th minute as the visitors started the second half with eyes to secure the victory.
Lake was on target again in the 65th minute, this time from outside the box, as the Sint Maarten attack continued to generate chances over the home side.
Andre Burley had a shot from distance in the 67th minute in what was the best look of the night for Saint Kitts and Nevis, but Richardson was there with the save.
Richardson closed the night with his first clean sheet in League B, as Sint Maarten came away with its first three points since gaining promotion from League C.
Prior to Sunday, Team Saint Lucia led with nine points after wins over Sint Maarten (5-1), St Kitts & Nevis (2-1), and Guadeloupe (2-1); before losing out to the French side, Sunday.
Meanwhile, Saint Lucia ends the series against St Kitts & Nevis on November 16 and will hope to make amends in their quest for promotion by topping the group.