Barbados and Belize triumphed in their respective League C groups on Wednesday, clinching promotion to League B in the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League.
With a series of decisive victories, both nations demonstrated their dominance, ensuring their advancement and a higher level of competition for the next cycle.
Barbados dominated the U.S. Virgin Islands in Group A with a commanding 5-0 victory at the Wildey Astro Turf Stadium in Bridgetown. Hadan Holligan got Barbados on the scoresheet in the 42nd minute, followed by a penalty conversion from Niall Reid-Stephen just before halftime. Reid-Stephen completed his brace early in the second half, and soon after, he netted again from a free-kick in the 65th minute, securing a hat-trick. Omani Leacock added the final goal in stoppage time, wrapping up an emphatic win for Barbados.
Meanwhile, Belize secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Anguilla in Group B at FFB Stadium in Belmopan. Orlando Velasquez scored the decisive goal in the 56th minute, converting a pass from Krisean López inside the box. Belize’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper and captain Charles Tillett, earned its third clean sheet of the tournament, ensuring they remain the only team in the group yet to concede a goal.
Saint Kitts and Nevis continues unbeaten run
The victory secured Belize’s first-place finish and promotion to League B, solidifying their rise in the CONCACAF competition.
In Group C, Saint Kitts and Nevis continued its unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory over the British Virgin Islands at Warner Park in Basseterre. Malique Roberts opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a header, connecting on a free-kick service. Gvaune Amory doubled the lead in the 37th minute after a well-placed pass over the top by Raheem Hanley. Despite a response from the British Virgin Islands, courtesy of a Kristian Javier Samuel goal in the 46th minute, Saint Kitts and Nevis sealed the win with an own goal by Ikyjah Williams in stoppage time.
The win secured Saint Kitts and Nevis a spot in the Play-In round, with the team now just one step away from winning the group outright, depending on the Cayman Islands’ upcoming result.
The final matchday results underscored the competitiveness and excitement of this year’s CONCACAF Nations League, with Barbados and Belize showcasing the quality that will soon be tested in League B.
