The BVI suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Cayman Islands as the fourth edition of the Concacaf Nations League got underway at the Truman Boden Sports Complex on Wednesday 4th September.
Playing in League C, Group , the BVI, playing its first match since reaching the second round of the Concacaf qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and seeking a first win against the Cayman Islands, found the Hosts a good match up, especially in front of their home crowd, but were able to more than match their opponents in a cat and mouse first half.
Frankie Beckles made a great save from Jacobbi Tugman in the 21st minute and then had Captain Troy Ceasar to thank for sparing his blushes following a mistake which was hit goalward by Alexander Clarke-Ramírez until Ceasar’s last ditch clearance saved a certain goal.
There were threats to the Cayman goal, but all were thwarted by a well-organized defense.
According to Coach Chris Kiwomya, “The teams were similar, but a lack of fitness from the boys showed towards the end of the game and that proved a significant difference. Whilst this can be partly blamed on a shorter preparation time, it is something we can keep improving upon and instill the importance of in the players.”
Despite the game coming in the off season and following tough games in the World Cup qualification, Kiwomya has high expectations and wants to make sure the players realise that the hard work has just begun. “We have a come along way, but also have a long way to go and have done really well in some big games against opponents that traditionally have been far better than us, but we need to keep pushing and not let our standards drop. It wasn’t a great game, but one we could have won and then having reached so deep towards the end of the match we should have been able to shut up shop and got back on the bus with a point. Now we have to take on St Kitts / Nevis which could prove an even bigger battle. We will train, get some renewed belief, and play with pride and passion.”
As the second half came with the score still deadlocked at 0-0, the BVI were looking very dangerous on quick transition. Both teams made changes to rest tired legs in baking hot and humid conditions, but it was the home team that went ahead in the 84th minute following an intercepted pass in midfield which was swept into the BVI penalty area and then fired home by Elijah Seymour for what turned out to be the only goal of the game and the 1000th goal scored in the Concacaf Nations League.
In other results and in League C, Group B, Anguilla also made history with its first ever victory in the Concacaf Nations League with a 2-0 victory against Turks and Caicos Islands, whilst in League C Group A , the lone draw of the day came between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Bahamas as the former rallied from 3-1 down to level the game at 3-3 and share the points.
The BVI squad includes Frankie Beckles, Troy Ceasar (captain), Miquel Marshall, T’Sharne Gallimore, Luka Chalwell, Tyler Forbes, William Green, Tyler Scarff, Juston Smith, Jaden Abrams, Christian Javier, T’Khoy Morton, Alejandro Santos, Azarni Callwood, Denvin Jones, Ikyjah Williams, Jadon Abrams, Jaadon Quashie, Joel Mars, and Mekhi Waters.
The Head Coach is Chris Kiwomya, Clyde Jones, Assistant coach, Lenon Audain, Manager and Levi James, Physio.
Next up for the BVI is a game against St Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday 10th September, also to be played at the Truman Boden Sports Complex in the Cayman Islands. Kick Off is at 4.30pm (BVI time).