World Cup Qualifiers…

–T&T’s hopes hit with draw against Curacao

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – The Reggae Boyz regained control of Group B by routing Bermuda, but Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) were forced to share the spoils with Curacao when the final round of World Cup Qualifiers continued on Tuesday.

Jamaica hammered Bermuda 4-0 to move to first place in the group on nine points and put themselves in a strong position to earn an automatic spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, the news was not as good for T&T, who drew 1-1 with Curacao, and will almost certainly have to win their final two matches if they are to secure a place in their second-ever World Cup.

The result left Curacao in second position in the group on eight points, with T&T third on five points. Bermuda, who are winless after four matches, have already been eliminated.

Playing at the National Stadium in Kingston, the home side was fortunate to take the lead in the 24th minute when Dante Leverock headed the ball into the back of his own net from a free kick.

However, two minutes later Bobby De Cordova-Reid doubled his team’s lead when he got on the end of a pinpoint cross from Renaldo Cephas.

Shamar Nicholson then made it 3-0 in the 35th minute, tapping in from close range following another accurate pass from Cephas.

Dujuan Richards then put the exclamation point on the win in the 76th minute, when he blasted the ball into the back of the net despite being surrounded by defenders.

Meanwhile, at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Curaçao, Kenji Gorré sent the home fans in a frenzy when he opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a right-footed finish to the upper right corner.

T&T were fortunate not to find themselves down 2-0 seven minutes later, however, Livano Comenencia’s shot from outside the box bounced off the left post.

The visitors came close to drawing level moments before the end of the first half, but Jerrin Jackie’s close-range effort hit the right post, while attempts from both Josiah Trimmingham and Andre Rampersad from a corner were blocked.

T&T finally got on the scoresheet in the second half when Tyrese Spicer unleashed a powerful shot in the 58th minute from inside the box that sped past Curacao’s keeper Eloy Room and into the back of the net.

However, T&T could not find the winning goal, which would have left them tied with Curacao for second in the group on seven points.

T&T will face Jamaica in their next match on November 13, in a contest they must win, with Curacao expected to defeat Bermuda in their match on the same date.