SV Robinhood crowned Caribbean kings inside the National Stadium
After taking a 1-0 lead into the second leg of the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, Suriname-based club SV Robinhood became the toast of Caribbean football, defeating Cavalier SC 2-0 (3-0 aggregate) inside the National Stadium tonight.
Robinhood got goals from Franklin Singodikromo in the 88th minute, and Jamilhio Rigters in time added.
What started as a dull affair sprung to life in the 36th minute as Adrian Reid's left-footed strike clipped the upright and went wide.
Triggered by his teammate's exploits, Shaniel Thomas, a minute later, was in the thick of things as his header was also a close call. In the 44th minute, S.V Robinhood had their best chance of the first half courtesy of a free kick from Jamilhio Rigters which soared above the bar.
In the second half, both teams went in search of the winner.
In the 53rd minute, Rigters' thunderous left-footed screamer went inches off the intended target.
As Cavalier went in search of their opener, talisman and the competition's leading goal scorer Shaniel Thomas was sent off in the 56th minute, picking up a second yellow card.
Robinhood began to make their numerical advantage count. In the 65th minute, Shaquille Cairo failed to convert a sitter from close range, then his teammate Jamilhio Rigters' shot in the 72nd minute went metres wide of the Cavalier goal.
Despite numerous chances, the deadlock wasn't broken until the 88th minute, Singodikromo's one-time left-footed curler evading the outstretched arms of Cavalier custodian Vino Barclett.
Then, in time added, Rigters put the icing on the cake slotting home from close range, erasing any chance of a Cavalier comeback.
Cavalier coach, Rudolph Speid was disappointed but said the Caribbean Cup proved positive for his unit.
"It has been a positive campaign, I'm a little bit disappointed that we didn't win in the end. However, we tried as a team, but the red card to Shaniel Thomas decided the game."
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