Saint Lucia’s senior men’s national football team fell to a 2-0 Concacaf Nations League loss to Barbados on Friday night at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, dropping to the bottom of Group B in League B after the opening round of matches.
Officially announced as head coach just three days prior, Rajesh Latchoo had his first game in charge as head coach of the Piton Boyz. He deployed Vino Barclett in goal behind a defensive unit comprising captain Terell Thomas, Doneal Lionel, Melvin Doxilly, and Kurt Frederick.
In midfield, Ajani Louis made his full debut in midfield, alongside veterans Lester Joseph and Gregson President, with youngsters Yanic Noel and Shevon Byron supporting Caniggia Elva in the attack.
The Bajan Tridents started the brighter of the two teams, before a crowd of under 1000. The visitors, who have been managed by former international Kent Hall since 2024, strung passes together and troubled the Saint Lucian defence early.
In the eighth minute, Doneal Lionel was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box, and the lead official pointed to the spot. Thierry Gale stepped up to make it 1-0.
Saint Lucia settled in the second period, especially after bringing on Kegan Caull up front and Djal Augustin in attacking midfield. But a through ball to Niall Reid-Stephen in the 73rd minute sent him off to the races, and he cashed in to make it 2-0, as the assistant referee showed no interest in the home team’s pleas for an offside call.
On Monday from 8 pm, Saint Lucia plays Bermuda at the DSCG. Bermuda were beaten 2-1 by Guadeloupe on Friday afternoon. Coach Latchoo is expected to bring in reinforcements for next weekend’s games against Guadeloupe in Barbados, as he expects Arkell Jude-Boyd and Donavan Phillip to join the squad.
