NEVEAL Hackshaw scored in the third minute as Trinidad and Tobago rebounded from their 2-1 defeat against Nicaragua on Friday to eke out a 1-0 win over the Bahamas in their Group C game, in League B of the 2022-2023 Concacaf Nations League.
However, the fans (estimated at 2,500) who turned up at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo failed to see the TT team follow the pre-game advice of coach Angus Eve and play a more attacking brand.
Instead, TT seemed content with keeping possession, especially in the second half, rather than pile on the goals (and hence boost their goal difference).
Nicaragua lead the four-team standings with four points from two games, followed by TT and Bahamas (three points apiece) and St Vincent and the Grenadines (one).
Hackshaw, a combative player by nature, met Noah Powder’s corner from the right and placed his header past the outstretched right hand of goalkeeper Julio Jemison.
Nine minutes later, Levi Garcia, who played more like his traditional winger role than the "false-nine" position he has been used by Eve this year, gave a return ball to playmaker Duane Muckette whose header crashed off the crossbar.
[caption id="attachment_958578" align="alignnone" width="1024"] TT’s Levi Garcia (L) controls the ball against the Bahamas during the Concacaf Nations League match, on Monday night, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain. Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]
Central defender Kareem Moses, who was recalled by Eve for the Courts Caribbean Classic rose high to connect his head to a Powder corner, but his effort was saved by Jemison.
And, in the dying stages of the first half, left-back Keston Julien’s cross was partially cleared, and Kevon Goddard’s follow-up effort was saved for a corner.
The second half was a totally forgettable affair, until the 83rd when a quartet of TT substitutes tried in vain to get the second goal for the hosts.
Molik Khan took a quick freekick and fed Reon Moore on the left. Moore’s over-hit cross was tracked down by John-Paul Rochford who teed up Nicholas Dillon, but the striker’s effort was blocked by the Bahamas goalie.
Two minutes later, Rochford missed the target by a few inches, with a long-range freekick, but TT looked more desirous to playing out time, rather than add to the misery of their opponents.
TT will continue their Nations League campaign on Friday away to St Vincent and the Grenadines, at the Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown. St Vincent and the Grenadines earned a 2-2 draw against their guests Nicaragua at Arnos Vale on Monday.
Squads
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Marvin Phillip (capt); Aubrey David, Kareem Moses, Keston Julien, Alvin Jones (Shannon Gomez 74th); Kevon Goddard, Neveal Hackshaw, Noah Powder (Molik Khan 81st), Judah Garcia (Nicholas Dillon 60th), Duane Muckette (John-Paul Rochford 60th); Levi Garcia (Reon Moore 81st).
BAHAMAS: Julio Jemison; Troy Pinder, Wood Julmis, Quinton Carey (Kenaz Swain 47th), Evelt Julmis, Lesly St Fleur (capt), Marcel Joseph (Jordin Wilson 79th), Omari Bain, Christopher Rahming, J
