Harbour View take on tricky Caribbean Cup fixture
Published:Wednesday | September 27, 2023 | 12:13 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
HARBOUR VIEW will look to improve their chances of making the Concacaf Caribbean Cup (CCC) semifinals when they play Group A leaders Robinhood of Suriname in the top-of-the-table clash this evening at the National Stadium at 7.
Harbour View are in second on four points after a win and a draw from two matches, two points adrift of the leaders, while third-place Pantoja are a point behind.
A win today would greatly increase Harbour View’s chances of making the semifinals. However, a defeat could do the opposite, as they could slip from the top two automatic qualifying spots. That being the case, Harbour View coach Ludlow Bernard anticipates a difficult 90 minutes against the Surinamese.
“They have been around for a while, probably about the same time as Harbour View. That means they have tradition on their side. They are also a very strong team in their domestic competition. So they have been around the Caribbean circuit for some while and they are no strangers here, similarly to Harbour View,” said Bernard.
“They have a very good team, a strong team with notable individuals. There is one player (Shaquille Cairo) who scored a brace against Dundeholden, clearly he will be a factor throughout the course of the game. I am also very impressed with their (Brazilian) goalkeeper (Dion Almeida).”
“However, on the day, Harbour View will focus on what Harbour View have to do. With all due respect to the other team, if we have play our guts out to get the result, that’s what we’ll do,” he said.
Harbour View defeated Dunbeholden 1-0 in the opening game before drawing 1-1 with Atletico Pantoja, and although pleased with their application, Bernard said the performances could be better.
“The quality of the performances can be better. But I can’t fault the players for the effort they have put in, with a couple weeks of preparation under our belt.
“But the opportunity is there for us to go out and get a positive result and the players are in good shape, both physically and mentally,” he said.
Robinhood are soaring at the top of the standing on maximum six points after victory over Ciboa of Dominican Republic and Dundeholden, and a win for the Suriname team would seal their place in the last four.