Real Hope FA and Arnett Gardens FC settled for a 0-0 stalemate in their Group A match-up of the 2024 CONCACAF Caribbean Cup on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
Despite a fiercely contested affair, neither side could find the breakthrough in a match that saw chances at both ends but no goals.
With the draw, Real Hope FA moves to five points, holding their second-place position in Group A. The Haitian club now turns its focus to Mount Pleasant Football Academy, knowing that a win in next Thursday’s match will secure their place in the semi-finals.
Arnett Gardens, however, saw their hopes of advancing dashed. Despite the draw, the Jamaican team can no longer reach the semi-finals but will look to finish their campaign on a high when they meet Cavalier FC next Thursday.
Action heated up
The action heated up just after the half hour mark when Real Hope’s Jeudy Jhonson launched a close-range attempt inside the box, only for Arnett Gardens defender Alton Lewis to step in with a crucial block. The end-to-end nature of the game continued late into the first half as Arnett’s Kimani Arbouine was denied by Peterson Pierre in the third minute of stoppage time, and on the counter, Arnett goalkeeper Asher Hutchinson made a critical save to stop Steeve Mondestin’s effort on the other end.
The second half saw more missed opportunities, with Jaheim Thomas testing Real Hope’s goalkeeper Gooly Elien in the 54th minute. Elien, who proved to be the hero for his side, made several important saves, including a vital stop from Watz Leazard’s header on the hour mark.
As the clock ticked down, Real Hope continued to fend off Arnett’s advances, with Edgar Castellanos Ruiz and Marlon Allen both denied late on, thanks to sharp defending and more brilliance from Elien.
