The Dominica Men’s National team aims to bounce back strongly in their second game against Bermuda in the CONCACAF Nations League game on Tuesday, October 16.
The team lost to Bermuda 6-1 in the first meeting of the two teams on Saturday.
Dominica started well and should have scored against the host team as early as the 10th minute of play but squandered that opportunity and was made to pay.
For head coach Ellington Sabin, all is not lost for the team and they will go back to the drawing board and work on their weaknesses.
“It was not the results that we wanted or expected, but that is the results and we have to move on and concentrate on the next game that is to come,” Coach Sabin stated.
“Although not wanting to single out anyone in the game,” Coach Sabin had high praise for Briel Thomas who he described as a hard worker despite his unfortunate red card. He also mentioned Travist Joseph who got Dominica’s lone goal, captain Glenson Prince who was injured and had to be substituted, his deputy Jerome Burkard along with some the young players who came in as substitutes.
Sabin expressed confidence that the team will do much better in the second game on Tuesday, October 15.
“Overall, the guys despite the results, gave a spirited effort. It was a team fight and we did squander a few chances. Yes, we are disappointed but we have to move on and not dwell on this,” he said.
Despite the defeat, the team remains bound together and in high spirits holding several sporting activities among themselves during the rest day on Sunday.
Captain Glenson Prince said despite the huge defeat, there are a few positives that they can take from the first game.
“The first couple of chances in the game came to us and had to capitalize on that who knows what could have happened? There’s a lot that we have to look into, but we cannot get too down on ourselves…we have to improve, and we have to do better, but the players are willing to put in the necessary work and I am confident that we can bounce back,” captain Prince stated.
He added, “It’s football, things happen you can’t win all the time, but you can’t get too low, we need that togetherness where we can call on each other and trust each other and get a level of confidence, we had a lovely recovery session and it went well. We have some very good guys with a fighting spirit and I am very confident that we can bounce back.”
The team will be without the red-carded Briel Thomas who will be replaced by Chad (Bertrand) for the next game but “we just have to work on our game plan, spirits are high,” stated.
Prince continued, “To the Dominican public, we know that you are disappointed in the results and we understand that you have been with us and yes you have every right to criticize us and ask for better because you have been with us when we go through our ups and downs, thank you for your continued support and we promise you that come Tuesday we will be much better.”
(PHOTO BY PRISCILA BUTLER/STRAFFON IMAGES/MANDATORY CREDIT/EDITORIAL USE/NOT FOR SALE/NOT ARCHIVE)
hey team….u did well but the basket is still not filled look out for ten
great job
I watched the game live. Bermuda players were visibly more skillful. They were better coached and held the ball way much better than Dominica. Particularly in the middle of the field.
A perfect example of the state of sports in Dominica. We were very proud of Thea when she won the gold for us, but it was only because Theo lives, works and trains OUTSIDE of Dominica. She has access the what “state of the art” should really look like. Not the nonsense we boast of here. Who is the Minister for Sports ? WHAT DOES SHE KNOW ABOUT SPORTS? So long Skerrit say the lot behind the Stadium was to be a sports facility with gym and how much amenities. In 2024 those Chinese probably still occupying the area. All you will no nowhere fast where sports is concerned in Dominica. The only way for you to excel in sports as a Dominican, is to leave that country. Bermuda all you letting give all you 6-1? Then again the average Dominican is sewo and good time alone they checking for. That is if those players even checking football seriously. Much less for the coaches and them. You know is favoritism they does like to play. Neglecting the actual players and serious ones to choose theirs
I suspect that Bermuda must have had some, or many overseas based players in their team, but even then, this is shameful and demoralising.
We are going nowhere fast in sports. I don’t see Dominica winning the second match, but i would be happy if they put me to shame.
6 – 1. SHAMEFUL.
6 – 1 WHAT A ‘DARN’ SHAME!
That is not a defeat,it is a daycallay.I don’t use big words like Ibo France Lennox Linton and Tyrone Blessings Anthony.
Better play next time.
6 – 1! Was this a tennis match? Bermuda is no power football country . They are ordinary competitors. The result clearly shows that the senior men’s football team is light years below par.
Hope they salvage some pride in the next encounter. This were man e is demoralizing to put it diplomatically.