Shock defeat for T&T

FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique (CMC):

Trinidad and Tobago's (T&T) hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Digicel Caribbean Cup finals were dealt a severe blow Friday, when they were stunned 2-0 by Cuba on the opening day of competition.

Playing in the first game of the Group H double-header, T&T were undermined by goals on either side of the break, to slump to an unexpected defeat at the Pierre Aliker Stadium.

The highest ranked Caribbean Football Union side, T&T, started positively but fell behind to Jaine Colome Valencia's 23rd-minute strike before Roberto Balmaseda's 79th goal put the result beyond doubt.

With tough matches against Grenada and hosts Martinique remaining, T&T could be in danger of missing out on the final four.

In the feature game of the night, Martinique needed a late goal to draw 1-1 with Grenada in another Group H encounter

Keon Daniel had a great chance to put T&T ahead in the opening stages but he sent his shot just wide after a well-worked move on the edge of the area.

Cuba countered well, however, and their fluent passing and ball movement put pressure on the T&T defence, resulting in the opening goal when captain and midfielder, Valencia, produced a stunning volley from the edge of the 18-yard box to put the Cubans ahead.

Buoyed by their lead, Cuba continued to attack with Marcel Hernandez Companioni and Leonel Duarte Pla looking constant threats.