Dominica’s national team, the “Nature Isle Boys”, clinched a historic 2-1 victory over Antigua and Barbuda played on Antiguan soil. It marked Dominica’s first-ever win against their Caribbean neighbours in seven meetings.
The first half of the match was a quiet affair, with both teams failing to find the back of the net. However, the second half erupted into a spectacle of attacking football, much to the delight of the spectators.
The deadlock was broken in the 46th minute when Dominica’s Chad Bertrand capitalised on a loose ball. Bertrand unleashed a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box, using the outer portion of his right foot. The strike beat the outstretched arms of Antigua’s goalkeeper Zaiem Scott, who recently returned from the Grenades, giving Dominica a 1-0 lead.
Antigua continued to press forward and their persistence paid off in the 54th minute when striker Javorn Stevens equalised. Stevens skillfully manoeuvred a loose ball from a deflected Deterville shot past the diving Dominican goalkeeper, bringing the scores level at 1-1.
The joy of Antigua’s equaliser was short-lived as Dominica executed a brilliant counter-attack just four minutes later that resulted in the winning goal. The experienced Troy Jules delivered a precise ground pass from the left flank, which found its way across the six-yard box to Travist Jules. Waiting at the far post, Travist delicately tapped the ball into the net, securing a 2-1 lead and sending the small contingent of Dominican supporters into ecstatic celebrations.
This victory is significant for Dominica, as it marks their first win against Antigua and Barbuda in seven encounters. Antigua’s previous head-to-head record stood at three wins and three draws.