Source: Caribbean Football Union
Grenades FC 2-1 SV Robinhood
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao (July 30, 2024)—Grenades FC of Antigua and Barbuda created a huge upset Tuesday night, as they defeated the CFU Club Shield defending champions SV Robinhood of Suriname 2-1 in the second quarterfinal match in Willemstad, Curacao.
Playing at Stadion Rignaal Francisca, Robinhood wasted little time pressing on offense toward Grenades’ back line with several combination plays and exerting extreme pressure on goalkeeper Zaieem Scott. The Antiguan-based team kept composure in the defense to deny Robinhood several goal-scoring opportunities. A slight defensive error from Grenades almost forced them to trail in the 28’, however, a missed shot at an empty goal by Shaquille Cairo kept Grenades in the clear.
Grenades FC’s Malcolm Stewart soon began pressing the Surinamese back line, leaving them scrambled while trying to remain composed.
A major defensive error by goalkeeper Zaieem Scott jeopardized the leveled score-line as Robinhood’s Don Turr capitalized on Scott’s mistake, scoring the ball straight into the back of the net.
Lone forward player Malcolm Stewart responded for Grenades three minutes later with an equalizer in the 34’.
As the second half commenced, Robinhood remained steadfast in pressuring Grenades’ defense, hoping to take the lead. However, with a turn of events in minute 58, Grenades’ right-back Jordan Britto capitalized on a corner kick, heading the ball into the net, and catching goalkeeper Jonathan Fonkel off-guard.
Luis Labrada was presented with a goal-scoring opportunity in the 71’ to extend Grenades’ lead. However, the ball went sailing over the crossbar, keeping the defending champion’s hopes alive.
Grenades, after 74 minutes of play and a goal ahead, changed their game plan to full defensive mode as they attempted to deny Robinhood goal-scoring opportunities.
Ravello Zijler made several attacking attempts to equalize, but the great defending tactics of Grenades seemed futile for Zijler. With five minutes of added time, Grenades sat deep in Robinhood’s defense, which paid off significantly in their favor.
At the end of relegation time, it was Grenades FC who soared victorious, securing their spot in the Semifinals. They play CCCUL Dublanc of Dominica on August 2.
