Sat Oct 10, 2015 2:17 pm
Kenwne Jones and Abu Bakr Earn Win For Trinidad and Tobago
Saturday | October 10, 2015
African News
Trinidad and Tobago made a positive start to their preparation for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers when they beat Panama 2-1 in an international friendly here Thursday night.
England-based captain Kenwyne Jones fired in the opener in the 35th minute while Abu Bakr added the second in the 52nd minute to give the visitors control of the encounter at the Estadio Romel Fernandez Stadium.
Luis Tejada pulled one back in the 59th minute for the hosts who then came close on a few occasions late on without finding the equaliser.
The game was part of the build-up to T&T's qualifying campaign, which begins next month when they face Guatemala away in Guatemala City.
T&T started well, matching Panama early on, but a sustained spell of pressure approaching the half-hour mark almost resulted in them falling behind.
Erick Davis whipped in a cross from the right and Roberto Nurse evaded his marker to nod past Marvin Phillips only for the goal to be ruled offside.
T&T, however, rode on their good fortune and were in front moments later. Jonathan Glenn collected a pass just outside the 18-yard box and teed up the advancing Jones who ripped a right-footer past goalkeeper Jaime Penedo from 25 yards.
Panama were almost back on level terms two minutes later when Davis raced down the left-side and sent a searching cross into the box, which skimmed across the face of goal without a Panama attacker getting a touch.
Close Chance
In a half of chances, Jones then had the perfect opportunity to double T&T's lead but he could only put his open header over the cross bar from close range.
After the break, however, T&T took a firm grip on the contest. The visitors won a corner and Keron Cummins sent in a cross which Abu Bakr rose highest to head past substitute keeper Luis Mejia.
Panama pulled themselves back into the game on the hour mark. Valentin Pimentel beat defender Gavin Hoyte with good movement and skill and crossed over the top of the T&T defence for Tejada to slide in and score from close range.
Sat Oct 10, 2015 2:22 pm
England-based? ......Beth?