T and T to face Dominican Republic in tournament opener

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC- Beaten finalist in the last Caribbean Football Union Cup, Trinidad and Tobago, will play Dominican Republic when Group Seven semifinals of the 18th edition of the tournament kicks-off here today.

T and T, which lost to Cuba in the final two years ago, and the Dominican Republic are in a group that also includes St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda who will also play each other as part of an opening double header at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

Cardiff striker Kenwyne Jones will lead T and T which team also includes a host of overseas-based stars and six local-based players.

“I’m quite confident. For us it’s just a continuation of the progress we have been making over the past nine months,” said Jones.

“There will be a bit more pressure on us because we’ve been playing some terrific football and it will be expected that we can deliver the goods against our Caribbean opponents.”

Eight time tournament winners, Soca Warriors, will also face St Lucia on Friday before ending with a clash versus St Lucia on Sunday.

“Pre-season time was a time to work and I did that. Knowing that the season was one where you had to be fit and strong to maintain consistency meant I had to put in the work,” said Jones.

“It’s natural and hopefully the form from the club and also the national team can continue in these games.”

Five-time winners Jamaica as host and defending champion Cuba have already qualified for the finals.