TT U-17 women footballers defeat Nicaragua

TRINIDAD AND Tobago Under-17 women footballers ended their Central American tour with a come from behind 3-2 win over hosts Nicaragua on Thursday.

TT came from behind twice with a double from United States-based striker Cayla McFarlane and the winner from Afiyah Cornwall.

In the first match of the two-match series, T T drew 1-1 with Nicaragua with a goal from Cayla McFarlane.

Coach Jamaal Shabazz, while not totally satisfied, praised the efforts of the players on the trip.

“The girls showed grit and determination but we have not yet developed a team that has the confidence to put the ball down against a tough opponent,” Shabazz said.

“These two matches has certainly answered some questions for us going into the tournament and we would have to improve drastically in ball possession.”

National captain Kara Trotman credited TT men’s team win over the US on Tuesday as an impetus for their hard-fought victory over Nicaragua.

“The coach had us watch the TT/USA match on TV at the hotel and we made a lot of noise for the team.

“When we saw how those guys played their hearts out it made us think that we need to start digging deeper when it comes to getting a result.

“TT beating USA was a huge inspiration for us. Coach Shabazz told us what we felt inside when TT won is what our people home and abroad when we win,” added Trotman.

TT are en-route to Haiti via Panama for the CFU (Caribbean Football Union) Under-17 Women Finals where they are grouped with Bermuda and Jamaica. The tournament will run from October 16-23.