Young Warriors whip Suriname

The Young Warriors whipped Suriname 4-0 yesterday in the second match of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva. The TT lads will now need only a point against Group “A” leaders Haiti tomorrow, at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima, to take their place.

Knox’s eighth goal of the tournament was registered after 27 seconds when the striker side-footed his effort, inside the penalty box, past goalkeeper Obrendo Dollart after an incisive run on the right by wing-back Sheldon Bateau.

The muddy conditions at Couva clearly affected the players’ footing but Suriname showed that they were not overawed by the occasion and, using the long ball to good effect, forced the Trinidad and Tobago defence onto the backfoot.

Similar to their performance against Barbados on Monday at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella, the TT midfield — featuring Sean De Silva, Marcus Joseph and Daniel Cyrus instead of the injured playmaker Leston Paul and the ineffective wingers Akeem Adams and Chad De Freitas, struggled to make any impact on proceedings.

The Dutch-speaking players were always alert to cut off any danger to their penalty area and nullify the threat posed by TT forwards Knox and Daniel Joseph.

Chances were few and far in-between for both teams, but Marcus Joseph could have no excuse for missing a sitter in the 39th, collecting a deep ball on the right from Bateau, the midfielder nonchalantly tapped his left-footer to the waiting arms of goalie Obrendo Dollart.

After a dour start to the second half, Trinidad and Tobago extended their lead in the 63rd, when De Silva’s left-sided corner was met by Daniel Joseph, whose header was deflected into the net by Dollart.

Drenthe forced an excellent save from Fullerton in the 70th, after he was sent through by his captain Miguel Cronie, but two minutes later, TT netted their third, due to the combined efforts of substitutes Jean Luc Rochford and Molino.

After Daniel Joseph was brought down on the right by defender Jetro Fer, Rochford’s free kick was headed home by the unmarked Molino.

The prolific Knox converted a penalty in the 80th, past Dollart’s lunge to his left, after the striker was tripped inside the box by Jorden Jetsoe.

The Haitians booked their spot for Sunday’s final phase of action after a 5-0 spanking of Barbados earlier at Couva, with Alcine Samuel (third and 76th) and Normil Valdo (64th and 90th) netting two goals each while St Victor Ultergueue (35th) got the other.

Meanwhile, Canada relinquished their title after they were beaten 2-1 by Mexico in Group “B” action at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet yesterday.

Raul Neva netted the winner in the third minute of injury time after Chris Martinez equalised for Canada in the 67th, 37 minutes after Carlos Pena opened the scoring for Mexico.

Jamaica and Panama battled to a 1-1 draw in the earlier contest.

Teams —

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Jesse Fullerton (capt); Robert Primus, Ryan O’Neil, Sheldon Bateau (Jean Luc Rochford 56th), Brenton Balbosa; Chike Sullivan, Marcus Joseph (Kevin Molino 60th), Daniel Cyrus, Sean De Silva (Chad De Freitas 69th); Stephen Knox, Daniel Joseph.

SURINAME: Obrendo Dollart; Giovanni Alleyne, Jetro Fer, Orvio Wirip (Quincy Alvares 60th), Giovanni Pique; Miguel Cronie (capt) (Murwayn Darson 78th), Jorden Jetsoe, Teghan Pools (Anduelo Makandra 33rd), Olvido Misidjan; Ivanildo Chobin, Giovanni Drenthe.