With a tightly contested 1-0 victory over Haiti’s Real Hope FA in their semi-final’s second leg, Cibao FC has advanced to the final of the 2024 CONCACAF Caribbean Cup, earning a coveted spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The winning goal came in the 10th minute, courtesy of Rivaldo Correa, who converted from close range to give Cibao an early lead that would ultimately seal their 4-2 aggregate triumph. Despite relentless attempts from Real Hope to equalize, including a long-range strike from Clifford Louis Jean that tested Cibao’s veteran goalkeeper Miguel Lloyd in the 14th minute, Cibao’s defense held firm.
Real Hope continued pressing throughout the match, nearly breaking through in the 29th minute as Jeudy Johnson aimed a crucial pass toward Angelo Exilus, only for Lloyd to intercept and preserve Cibao’s advantage. Cibao almost extended their lead in the second half when Ernesto Trinidad’s powerful shot was stopped by Real Hope’s keeper, Gooly Elien, in the 49th minute.
Exilus, a key player for Real Hope in the first leg, came close to leveling the score in the 80th minute, sending a shot just wide of the post. Lloyd capped his performance with a crucial save in stoppage time, blocking Elison Duce’s last-minute effort to assist Exilus, securing the shutout and advancing Cibao to the Caribbean Cup Final.
Cibao FC is now set to face Jamaica’s Cavalier FC in the final showdown. Meanwhile, Real Hope FA will take on Moca FC in a third-place series to claim the last Caribbean berth in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup.
