Reigning Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Shield champions Arnett Gardens FC wasted no time flexing their title credentials on Sunday night, delivering a blistering 4-0 thrashing of Dublanc FC from Dominica in Group D action at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
It took just nine minutes for Arnett Gardens to draw first blood. Giovanni Taylor opened the scoring with a decisive strike from the top of the 18-yard box, capitalizing on a sluggish Dublanc backline.
Then came the Shai Smith show. The forward netted a quickfire brace — first in the 12th minute after a defensive miscue left him with a walk-in opportunity, then again in the 16th as Dublanc’s defense collapsed under pressure. By the time the clock hit 17 minutes, the Jamaican side held a commanding 3-0 lead.
Dublanc’s troubles compounded when goalkeeper Jerome Burkard was stretchered off after a heavy collision in the box, replaced by Jaheem Cuffy. Although Arnett Gardens dominated possession, they were kept at bay until stoppage time, when substitute Chantomoi Taylor drove home the final dagger in the 90th+1 minute, sealing a commanding opening victory.
Franciscain flatten Doc’s United with ruthless 6-1 display
In the other Group D clash on the same pitch, Club Franciscain of Martinique ran riot over Doc’s United from Saint Lucia, cruising to a 6-1 demolition that left no doubt about their intentions.
Philippe Clervil set the tone early, finding the net in just the third minute, quickly followed by Mathis Priam a minute later to make it 2-0. Christof Jougon added a third with a superb 38th-minute free kick, and while Sylvanus James pulled one back for Doc’s in the 54th, it only provoked a more ruthless response.
Two minutes later, Johnny Marajo re-established the three-goal cushion. Axel Delor made it five in the 84th, and Priam, completing his brace, coolly slotted home a penalty in added time to cap off the rout.
AC Port of Spain edge Scholars in late drama
Over at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, AC Port of Spain had to dig deep to overcome a spirited Scholars International FC side, ultimately pulling off a 2-1 victory in a tightly contested affair.
The Trinidad and Tobago outfit struck first in the 28th minute through Josiah Wilson, who finished with aplomb. But the lead was wiped out early in the second half when Christopher Brown netted a deserved equalizer for Scholars.
With the game hanging in the balance, it was Jean-Heim McFee who provided the decisive moment, scoring in the 85th minute to ensure three hard-earned points for the home side.
A tournament of firepower: CFU Club Shield off to a roaring start
With 12 goals across three matches, the opening round of the 2024 CFU Club Shield showcased the vibrant talent and attacking flair Caribbean clubs are bringing to Trinidad and Tobago. Arnett Gardens’ relentless pace, Franciscain’s finishing masterclass, and Port of Spain’s gritty triumph all signal an exhilarating tournament ahead — one where no lead is safe and no moment predictable.
As the group stage unfolds, fans can expect more fireworks, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable goals in a tournament already bursting with potential.
 Club Shield champions Arnett Gardens FC wasted no time flexing their title credentials on Sunday.){kind=link}