BVI suffers 1-nil defeat against the Cayman Islands

in All News / By: BVI News on September 6, 2024 at 6:13 AM /

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The BVI Men’s National Team suffered a 0-1 loss to the Cayman Islands in their Concacaf Nations League opener, held on their home turf at the Truman Boden Sports Complex.

The Men’s Senior Team was defeated 0-1 by the Cayman Islands on Wednesday, September 4.

According to the BVI Football Association (BVIFA), this was the BVI team’s first match since advancing to the second round in the Concacaf qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

“As the second half came with the score still deadlocked at 0-0, the BVI were looking very dangerous on quick transition. Both teams made changes to rest tired legs in baking hot and humid conditions, but it was the home team that went ahead in the 84th minute following an intercepted pass in midfield which was swept into the BVI penalty area and then fired home by Elijah Seymour for what turned out to be the only goal of the game and the 1000th goal scored in the Concacaf Nations League,” the press release stated.

Head coach Chris Kiwomya commented on the defeat, suggesting that a lack of proper fitness could have been a key factor.

“The teams were similar, but lack of fitness from the boys showed during the game and that proved a big difference, which was partly down to a shortened preparation time,” the head coach stated.

He also expressed renewed hope for the team in their upcoming match.

“We have come a long way, but we also have a long way to go and have done really well in some big games against opponents that traditionally have been far better than us. It wasn’t a great game and definitely one we could have won, but having reached so deep towards the end of the match we should have been able to shut up shop and get back on the bus with a point. Now we have to take on St Kitts and Nevis which could prove an even bigger battle. We will train, get some renewed belief and play with pride and passion,” he added.

The team’s next game is against St Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday, September 10, in the Cayman Islands, with kickoff expected at 4:30 PM (BVI Time).

CONCACAF, the Confederation of North, Central American & Caribbean Association Football, is in its 59th year. The current edition began in September 2024 and is set to conclude in March 2025.