Suriname, Costa Rica and Guatemala opened their League A Concacaf Nations League accounts with victories, as did El Salvador in League B as the fourth edition of the tournament got into full swing on Thursday.

All battling for Group A honours, Suriname and Guatemala topped Guyana and Martinique 3-1, while Costa Rica blanked Guadeloupe 3-0, as all three teams sit on three points, separated only by a slight goal difference.

Meanwhile, in Group A of League B, El Salvador romped to a 4-1 win over Montserrat, while Bonaire and St Vincent and the Grenadines played out a 1-1 stalemate.

Guyana vs. Suriname

Suriname’s victory away to Guyana spoiled the Golden Jaguars League A debut at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora.

After three seasons in League B, Guyana would have hoped to start life in League A on a positive note, but it was not to be.

Djevencio van der Kust sent Suriname in front with an 18th-minute strike. However, Omari Glasgow pulled Guyana level with a 41st-minute penalty conversion for his 11th Nations League goal to extend his tally as the nation’s leading scorer in the competition.

But Guyana’s celebrations were short-lived as Jaden Montor drove home a powerful effort from an angle in the 66th to put Suriname 2-1 up.

Virgil Misidjan then sealed the win for the Dutch-speaking Caribbean island with a tidy 83rd-minute finish.

Costa Rica vs. Guadeloupe

Costa Rica were always favoured to secure three points here and they did just that on home soil at Estadio Nacional in San José.

After a goalless first half, Costa Rica’s captain Francisco Calvo led from the front with an expert header from Joel Campbell’s weighted corner kick to put his team in front in the 50th minute.

Ariel Lassiter doubled the lead in the 77th when he tucked home a right-footer from close range.

Warren Madrigal added another in 81st to cap the win.

Guatemala vs. Martinique 

Guatemala extended their all-time unbeaten record at home to eight matches as they bettered Martinique in a first-ever meeting between the two at Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores.

Rubio Rubin fired home from Oscar Santis’ cross to give Guatemala a 3rd-minute lead.

After keeping Guatemala at bay thanks to goalkeeper Yannis Clementia, who came up big to deny Rubin and Alejandro Galindo in the 10th and 22nd minutes, respectively, Martinique pulled level in the 51st when Kevin Appin headed home.

However, Guatemala regained the lead from the penalty spot when Jose Pinto converted in the 61st.

Martinique should have been back on level terms in the 72nd, but Brighton Labeau’s penalty kick was saved by Guatemala’s custodian Nicholas Hagen.

That allowed Guatemala to capitalise as Jose Martinez fired home in the 90+5 to secure all three points.

Group A action will resume on Monday, beginning with Guadeloupe against Suriname and Martinique against Guyana. A Central American clash will conclude the day’s play as Guatemala hosts Costa Rica.

Over in League B, El Salvador will be aiming to consolidate their lead atop the group when they take on Bonaire on Sunday, while St Vincent and the Grenadines play Montserrat.

Surinamese badminton player Sören Opti’s Paris Olympic campaign got off to a losing start as he was defeated two games to nil by China’s Yu Qi Shi in Group A play at La Chapelle Arena Court 2 on Saturday.

Shi won both games comfortably with scores of 21-5 and 21-7, respectively, including separate streaks on nine and seven points won in a row.

The first game saw the Chinese win 17 points on serve before winning 15 in the second.

Opti is an Olympian who represented Suriname in the 2016 Rio Olympics and was selected for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but had to withdraw due to a positive Covid-19 result.

The 27-year-old is a six-time national singles champion of Suriname.

He will face Italian Giovanni Toti on July 29 in his second group stage outing.

Costa Rica and Honduras were among the winners on the second day of round two of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday.

Costa Rica won 4-nil over Saint Kitts and Nevis in Group B at the National Stadium in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Orlando Galo struck with a header in the box to open the scoring in the 40’, connecting on a long service from Jefferson Brenes following a throw-in.

Galo secured his brace in the 50’ with a left footed strike just outside the box.

Josimar Alcocer came off the bench to add a third for the hosts in the 83'.

Andy Rojas, another second half substitute, extended the lead in the 84' to secure the three points.

Costa Rica will travel to face Grenada on Sunday in St. George's. Saint Kitts and Nevis will host the Bahamas on Tuesday in Basseterre.

Honduras won 3-1 over Cuba in Group A at the Chelato Ucles National Stadium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Maykel Reyes struck first for the visitors in the 23', capping off a counterattack with a chipped ball from the penalty arc.

Antony Lozano tied the match minutes later, in the 26', as Honduras took advantage of a free kick from short distance. Luis Palma delivered the service over the top, which Lozano received with his chest as he spun to hit the ball with his right foot.

Edwin Rodriguez obtained the lead for Honduras in the 45'+2 with a left footed shot in the box.

Rubilio Castillo extended the lead in the 82' with a strike off a long pass from the right side of the box by fellow second half substitute David Ruiz.

Up next for Honduras is playing away at Bermuda on Sunday. Cuba will host the Cayman Islands on Tuesday in Santiago de Cuba.

Haiti defeated Saint Lucia, 2-1, in Group C at Wildey Turf in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Caniggia Elva opened the scoring in the 18' to put Saint Lucia on the board.

Jean-Kevin Duverne tied the match in the 47', connecting with a strong header off a corner kick service from Fabrice Picault.

Duckens Nazon completed the comeback in the 78', powering through the defense for the match-winning goal.

The Haiti national team will remain in Bridgetown to face Barbados on Sunday. Saint Lucia will also stay on the island to host Aruba on Tuesday at Wildey Turf.

Panama took a 2-nil victory over Guyana in Group D at the Rommel Fernandez Stadium in Panama City, Panama.

Cristian Martinez broke the deadlock in the 62' with a goal inside the box, connecting on a pass over the top from Adalberto Carrasquilla.

Jose Rodri­guez made it a two-goal lead for the hosts in the 65' with a one-hit finish on the other end of a service from Edgar Barcenas.

The next opponent for Panama is Montserrat on Sunday in Managua, Nicaragua. Guyana will meet Belize on Tuesday at Wildey Turf in Bridgetown, Barbados.

El Salvador and Puerto Rico played to a scoreless draw in Group F at the Cuscatlan Stadium in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Darwin Ceren had a look towards goal in the 23’ but the attempt went wide of the goal.

The hosts came close again in the 26’ as a long-range attempt from Christian Martinez hit the crossbar.

Leandro Antonetti delivered a menacing header in the 78’ but was just wide of the left post as the match stayed scoreless.

Goalkeepers Mario Gonzalez and Joel Serrano ended the night with their first clean sheets of the campaign.

Suriname, who won on Wednesday, maintains its spot at the top of the group as a result. Anguilla and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have yet to play their first match.

Next for El Salvador is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday in Paramaribo, Suriname. Puerto Rico will host Anguilla on Tuesday in Bayamon.

Suriname, Curacao, Nicaragua, and Guatemala opened their Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers account on a winning note, while Trinidad and Tobago had to come from behind to secure a point against Grenada in Second Round action across the region on Wednesday.

While the four winners pocketed three points to take pole positions in their respective groups, Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada shared the spoils after a 2-2 stalemate, and so too did Antigua and Barbuda and Bermuda, who battled to a 1-1 scoreline.

Antigua and Barbuda vs Bermuda

Antigua and Barbuda and Bermuda locked horns in Group A at the ABFA Technical Centre in Piggotts.

Raheem Deterville sent the hosts in front with a 26th-minute strike from inside of the penalty arc. The assist came from a long pass over the top by D’Andre Bishop.

However, Bermuda rescued a point in the 90th through Sachiel Ming, who picked up a pass from Kane Crichlow and slotted home from close range.

Up next for Antigua and Barbuda is a trip to the Cayman Islands on Saturday, while Bermuda will host Honduras on Sunday at the Bermuda National Sports Centre.

Suriname vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Suriname registered a comfortable 4-1 victory over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to get their Group F campaign going at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo.

Oalex Anderson gave St Vincent and Grenadines a dream start, when he pounced on a loose ball and converted in the 31st minute.

But Sheraldo Becker pulled Suriname level in the 39th from the penalty spot after Immanuel-Johannes Pherai was taken down inside the danger area.

Jeredy Hilterman then pushed Suriname ahead in the 45+3 minutes as he rose above defenders to head home from Pherai’s weighted cross.

From 2-1 at the break, Suriname wasted little time to press the ascendancy on the resumption, as Justin Lonwijk pushed them further ahead with a well-taken 46th-minute effort, to make it 3-1.

Jaden Montnor then capped the win in the 70th minute.

Suriname will visit Anguilla on Saturday, while Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will remain in Suriname to play host to El Salvador, at the same venue, on Sunday.

Trinidad and Tobago vs. Grenada

Trinidad and Tobago’s opener produced a less than desirable outcome, as they had to dig deep for the 2-2 stalemate with Grenada in Group B action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

The Soca Warriors found themselves on the backfoot when Myles Hippolyte converted a 24th-minute penalty to gift Grenada an early lead, after the ball was handled inside the red zone.

And before they could catch their breaths, Grenada doubled the lead four minutes later when Hippolyte rifled home off the volley, beating Trinidad and Tobago’s custodian Denzil Smith, all ends up in the 28th minute.

Needing to respond, Trinidad and Tobago did just that through Ryan Telfer, who got on the end of a through pass from Reon Moore and calmly slotted home in the 43rd to make it 2-1 at the break.

Moore later found the equalizer in the 74th from a well-worked counter attack to secure a share of the spoils.

Trinidad and Tobago will next be away to Bahamas on Saturday in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, with Grenada to host Costa Rica on Sunday in St. George's.

Curaçao vs. Barbados

Curaçao began their campaign with a tidy 4-1 victory over Barbados in Group C action at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad.

Rangelo Janga opened the scoring in the 25th with a close range effort.

Curacao had to wait until the 62nd to double their lead as Janga again found space inside the area to slot home. He completed his hat-trick in the 85th from the penalty spot.

Niall Reid-Stephen pulled one back for Barbados in the 90+2, also from the 12-yard spot. But Gervane Kastaneer found another for Curacao which served as icing on the cake.

Curaçao will visit Aruba in Oranjestad on Saturday, while Barbados will host Haiti in Bridgetown on Sunday.

Nicaragua vs. Montserrat

Nicaragua also completed a 4-1 win over Montserrat in Group D at the National Football Stadium in Managua.

It was a frantic start to the contest, as the host went ahead through Jaime Moreno, who expertly headed home in the fourth minute. But Brandon Barzey pulled Montserrat level in the 10th.

However, that was all the visitors would get as Junior Arteaga pushed Nicaragua back in front with a well-taken 23rd-minute freekick.

Jacob Montes fired home from the edge of the 18-yard box to extend the lead in the 70^th, before Harold Medina capped the win in the 90+3.

Nicaragua will visit Belize on Saturday in Belmopan. Montserrat will remain in Managua to face Panama on Sunday.

Guatemala vs. Dominica

Guatemala registered the widest victory margin on the day, as they hammered Dominica 6-0 in Group E at the Doroteo Guamuch Flores Stadium in Guatemala City.

Alejandro Galindo started the rout in the third minute, before Allen Yanes headed in an Oscar Santis cross to make it 2-0 in the 28th.

Galindo completed his brace in the 49th when he converted off a follow-up attempt after Glenson Prince’s shot from a distance was kept out.

Rubio Rubin added his name to the scoresheet from a 59th-minute header, before Jose Martinez made it 5-0 in the 79th from a setplay.

Jose Morales capped the win in the 84th with a strike from distance.

Guatemala will play the British Virgin Islands on Saturday, while Dominica hosts Jamaica on Sunday.

Despite a gritty display at home, Suriname's Robinhood failed to progress to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup after they played out a 1-1 stalemate with Costa Rica's Herediano in their second-leg Round of 16 contest, at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo on Wednesday.

Needing to overturn a two-goal deficit, Robinhood through a stoppage time goal from Don Tuur ended the two-leg tie with some positives to build on, though they lost 3-1 on aggregate. Adrian Garza got Herediano's goal in the 56th minute and confirmed their quarterfinal date with Liga MX side Pachuca.

Herediano largely controlled the first half and registered the only shots on target, although there were moments when Robinhood showed their teeth in transition, which served as a warning that they could be dangerous on the counterattack.

Robinhood came out more positive on the resumption and gradually applied pressure on the Herediano back line in their probe to reduce the deficit, but they unfortunately found themselves further behind.

The Costa Ricans broke the deadlock when Garza received a pass on the right wing and dismissed two defenders before rocketing a shot past Robinhood's custodian Jonathan Fonkel.

Robinhood should have pulled a goal back on the hour-mark when a giveaway led to back-to-back shots in a goalmouth melee, but the Herediano defence stood firm on both occasions to deny their opponents.

From there, Herediano were more threatening going forward and went close to a second in the 68th, but Andy Rojas steered his shot wide.

Robinhood’s Tuur got another good look at goal for the in the 78th off a looping cross, but he also hooked the shot wide.

However, the striker made amends and gave his team and home fans something to cheer about when he turned in a loose ball.

Suriname’s Robinhood, the Caribbean’s lone remaining representative in the Concacaf Champions Cup, will be hoping to extend their stay in the tournament, as they target a successful homecoming to overturn a two-goal deficit against Costa Rica’s Herediano in their second-leg Round of 16 contest, on Tuesday evening.

Herediano, who claimed a 2-0-win in first-leg action last week, are aiming to build on that advantage, but Robinhood have enjoyed a magical run to reach this point and will rate their chances highly to produce another big wave of the wand at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo.

The Dutch-speaking Caribbean club emerged topped last year’s Concacaf Caribbean Shield, just to qualify for the Caribbean Cup, also topped the Caribbean Cup to qualify directly to the Round of 16 of this Champions Cup.

Through it all, Robinhood performed very well at home, winning all four matches in Paramaribo during the Caribbean Cup, while outscoring opponents 6-1.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Fonkel, who topped his peers for that award at the end of the Caribbean Cup, turned in a dazzling display in the first leg, as he pulled off a whopping 14 saves to keep Robinhood within touching distance.

In attack, Robinhood’s chances will be heavily reliant on Dimitrio Andro, who had the two best scoring chances of the first leg in which he also completed 34 passes.

Meanwhile, Herediano are riding a two-match winning streak in Champions Cup play and will be in pursuit of their first Champions Cup quarterfinal appearance since the 2014-15 edition.

Getsel Montes had the opening goal for the Ticos, giving him three in his last five Champions Cup matches, on top of leading the team in passes with 70.

Andy Rojas and Elias Aguilar were key contributors as well to the victory. Rojas registered five shots, four on target, while Aguilar completed 47 passes.

The Caribbean will also be represented off the field, as Jamaican Daneon Parchment and Tristley Bassue of St Kitts and Nevis will be the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) to Guatemalan Julio Luna, for the encounter.

It is a proud moment in time for one of the most accomplished Caribbean teams in Concacaf history, as five-time Concacaf Champions Cup finalists Robinhood of Suriname are back in the prestigious tournament for the first time since 1994.

Though it has been 30 years since Robinhood last graced the tournament, this will be the club's 18th appearance overall, with a new generation of players, led by midfielder Renske Adipi, aiming to carve out a legacy of their own on this occasion.

Adipi, steered Robinhood to the mountaintop in both the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield and Concacaf Caribbean Cup. He was named Best Player in the Caribbean Cup.

The 24-year-old scored a goal, contributed an assist, made eight steals, three clearances and completed more than 83 percent of his passes in the tournament.

Adipi and his Robinhood teammates recently returned to training following a well-deserved break and are busy preparing for the Champions Cup which gets under way with Round One action next month.

“This is a team with a lot of young players, but we trained hard, the coach worked very hard with us so we could reach a level at which we could compete in the Shield and the Caribbean Cup,” Adipi said in an interview with Concacaf.com.

“For Robinhood as a team, it means that we are back at the level we had in previous years in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. We are very proud to be back at the international Concacaf level and proud to be back in Champions Cup,” he added.

As Caribbean Cup champions, Robinhood will start the tournament in the Round of 16 where they will face the winner of the Round One contest between Costa Rica's Herediano and two-time Concacaf champions Toluca of Mexico.

While Robinhood's players are just now returning to the training field, the coaching staff has already been studying the club’s potential opponent.

“Our coaching staff is already busy analyzing Toluca and Herediano, so we will be prepared for whichever team we play,” Adipi shared.

On that note, Adipi reflected on last year's campaign which will forever live in the minds of Robinhood's players, coaches and supporters alike, even more so as their impressive double Caribbean triumph has etched the club's name in the annals of Suriname's sporting history.

Adipi recalled how the team registered big wins in the Shield, and later took that momentum all the way to the Caribbean Cup title.

“At the start of the Shield, we were a little nervous, but when the tournament started after the first game, we grew into ourselves and grew in the tournament, and we became champions. When we entered the Caribbean Cup, we were surer of ourselves. We played a good tournament and also became champions of that event. For the fans they enjoyed it very much and they have not stopped celebrating it. They were great fans in the games, even though it was late at night," he said with a smile.

Robinhood’s Caribbean conquest and Champions Cup qualification was timely, too. On the horizon is the beginning of a new professional league in Suriname, so no doubt Robinhood’s appearance in this year’s Champions Cup will bring plenty of eyes to the country's football and, by extension, its development.

“We know that not only are we playing for Robinhood, but we are also playing for the country of Suriname. It is a very important moment so that Robinhood can have prestige in this tournament, because we are going to start a professional league in Suriname. This is a welcomed moment that everyone can now see the level that Surinamese football has,” Adipi ended.

It is always exciting when a club makes its debut on a stage which they long dreamed of. Such is the case of Jamaica Premier League outfit Cavalier, who is among the first-timers set to grace this year’s edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup, after they finished as runner-up in last year’s Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

Anchoring what is the youngest team in Jamaica’s top-flight league is goalkeeper Vino Barclett, who started all eight matches for Cavalier during the tournament, and made 28 saves, which assisted the Rudolph Speid-coached team to the Caribbean Cup showpiece.

Though they lost 0-3 on aggregate to Suriname’s Robinhood, their main objective was met, as their vision of playing against some of the best clubs in the Concacaf region, has come to fruition.

“It was a big achievement for a Jamaican club. We played in a knockout tournament domestically and got to the finals, we played in the domestic league and got to the finals and so getting to the Caribbean Cup final and qualifying for Champions Cup was another big achievement for us,” Barclett said in a recent interview with Concacaf.com.

“All of the players were deserving, we worked hard for it, the only thing we lacked was winning silverware,” he added.

While most of his Cavalier teammates are from Jamaica, Barclett is one of the team’s full-time international players, as he represents St Lucia on an even bigger stage. Giving his vast experience representing St Lucia in Concacaf Nations League, Barclett is not one to shy away from tough competition and, as such, is now eager to parade his skill in Concacaf’s premier club competition.

“Representing St Lucia on this stage is like a dream come true. I’m still a relatively young player, just 24 years old, I think I’m the only goalkeeper from St Lucia to have played in this tournament. It is a big achievement for me, and I want to show our amateur players back home that they can be on this big stage. I’m excited for the exposure and opportunity,” Barclett shared.

Cavalier’s Round One encounter will be against Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit FC Cincinnati, scheduled for February 22, and Barclett knows a sturdy challenge awaits as their opponents capped the 2023 MLS regular season with the best record.

“The preparation has been going up to standard, we have been putting in the work. In our domestic league in the last six games, we are unbeaten with five wins and one draw, so I think the team has prepared with full conviction. We know it won’t be easy game. We have to be focused in every second of the game, we cannot switch off. Our team has a good chemistry and in preparation for that game we are working very hard,” the agile goaltender said.

With Cavalier boasting so many young players, the 2024 Champions Cup represents the perfect platform on which a group of hungry players can demonstrate their skills to the world. It is also a chance to show everyone the strength of Jamaica’s domestic football.

“I would say this is the biggest moment of my career. I have been in finals, but this will be the biggest game of my career. This is a game that can be an opportunity for many of us. Maybe scouts see us and who knows where that might lead. Representing the Caribbean is a responsibility that we embrace, knowing that we are representing the Jamaican nation, so we will be relying on our fans in the home game,” Barclett ended.

Robinhood of Suriname were crowned champions of the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, after they defeated Jamaican side Cavalier 2-0 in the second leg of the final at the National Stadium, on Wednesday night.

Franklin Singodikromo, whose last-gasp goal in the semi-final against Moca FC, paved the way for Robinhood to even reach the showpiece contest, came off the bench to score a goal and provide an assist for Jamilhio Rigters to give the Suriname side a 3-0 aggregate victory.

The result also means that Robinhood have qualified for the Round of 16 phase of next year's Concacaf Champions Cup. Despite the loss, Cavalier, by virtue of making the final, also secured a spot in the Champions Cup.

For Robinhood, this Caribbean Cup triumph, caps an incredible double, as it adds to their 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield crown.

It was a very cagey first 45 minutes between the two sides. Robinhood were content to stay compact in the back and defend their one-goal aggregate lead, while Cavalier poked and prodded in hopes of creating a chance.

The best look for Cavalier was from Adrian Reid in the 36th minute, as his effort came back off the woodwork.

Cavalier’s comeback task got a lot more difficult in the 55th when they lost star striker Shaniel Thomas to a second yellow card.

Despite missing their top scorer in the tournament with eight goals, Cavalier battled bravely and found space in behind Robinhood's for a few half chances, but Jonathan Fonkel, in goal for the Suriname club, was unflappable.

Robinhood eventually made the most of their numerical advantage in the 89th minute, as semifinal hero Singodikromo received a pass from Renske Adipi and finished a tidy left-footed shot from the top of the 18-yard box, that left Cavalier's custodian Vino Barclett flat-footed.

Singodikromo then played the role of provider in a patiently build-up, as he awaited the arrival of Rigters, who charged the box from the left side and finished with aplomb in time added, to complete the 2-0 scoreline.

A sensational second half strike from Dimitrio Andro earned Robinhood of Suriname a 1-0 victory over Jamaican side Cavalier in the first leg of the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup Final at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo, on Thursday night.

It was a fairly cagey start to the contest as both teams took their time to feel out each other, before Carlos Da Silva's 15th-minute header gradually broke the shackles for Robinhood.

Cavalier heeded the danger and responded with a warning shot of their own through Shaquille Cairo 33rd-minute attempt.

The Jamaican side upped the tempo after the interval and almost broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, but tournament-leading scorer Shaniel Thomas's effort went just wide.

Minutes later Robinhood's goalkeeper Jonathan Fonkel was called upon to make a soaring save to deny Ronaldo Robinson.

Just when it looked like Cavalier had the home side on the ropes and were set to break through, Robinhood turned the half on its head when they found the go-ahead goal in the 69th minute against the run of play. This, as Andro rifled a right-footed shot that lodged into the top right corner of net.

Andro’s excellent strike made for a vibrant finish, with Robinhood buoyed by momentum, while Cavalier tried desperately but couldn't find the elusive equalizer.

With that, the stage is set for what should be an explosive second leg inside Jamaica's National Stadium on December 6.

A series of unstoppable performances on the International Cycling Union (UCI) circuits in Canada and Germany, followed by a classy display at the PanAm Elite Track Cycling Championships in Argentina, a performance which complemented a gold medal win at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Add to that another double medal-winning performance at the Pan American (PanAm) Games in Santiago, Chile.

For many, that would more than represent a successful cycling career. But for Trinidad and Tobago's Nicholas Paul, this is only the beginning. In fact, despite his many successes to date, Paul still views his career as a work in progress, possibly because he is still hunting that one prize or moment to really define things and that is the Olympic Games dream.

Much like he did at the PanAm Elite Track Cycling Championships in Argentina where he won the Sprints and Keirin, while clocking a new track record 9.349 seconds in the flying 200m, Paul once again demonstrated his qualities as one of the best track cyclists in the world when he won gold in the final of the Men’s Sprint at the 2023 Pan American Games.

The outstanding 25-year-old out-paced his rival Jair Tjon of Suriname to top the podium, while Kevin Santiago Qunitero Chavarro of Colombia bettered Canada’s Nicholas John Wammes in the race for the bronze medal.

For Paul, the win added to his Pan Am Games title won in Lima, Peru in 2019 and he rightly expressed delight at the accomplishments.

“Firstly I would like to thank God for a safe meet. I am very pleased with my performance at this stage of the season because my preparation coming into the Pan-American Games was really good, and so I knew it was all left to my execution as the key factor which would determine how things would turnout.

“Fortunately, I executed well both in the flying 200m and the Sprints achieving some excellent results. Creating a new games record is always a special moment for me and my country,” Paul told SportsMax.tv.

The modest twin island republic cyclist returned a day later to cop a silver medal in the Men’s Keirin final.

On that occasion, Paul used his electric sprint speed in the final lap to power himself to second place, after falling behind the pack with a couple of laps remaining in the six-lap event.

The event was won by Colombia's Kevin Quintero, the reigning world champion in the event, while Mexico's Juan Ruiz Teran was third.

Paul, who has been a model of consistency throughout the season, attributed his continuous improvement and, by extension, success to the time spent in training honing his craft.

“It’s means a lot to me just to know that my hard work is paying off and I’m able to show the world that Trinidad and Tobago has a lot of talent. Like I said before, my preparations for the PanAm Games have been great and so I am pleased that I was able to accomplish all my goals to an extent,” he shared.

That said, Paul hinted at the possibility of much more to come, as he intends to continue pushing the limits and discover what he is truly able to achieve –next year’s Olympic Games in Paris being his next immediate target.

“It’s all a work in progress, my plan is to build on this performance and to do so, I intend to keep putting in those hard hours to keep getting stronger and faster. My overall goal for this year and beyond is to firstly qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games and secondly, try to win a medal or medals at the Olympic Games for Trinidad and Tobago. But for now, the focus is some much-needed rest and recovery," Paul declared.

Guyana moved to the summit of Group A, while Martinique earned their first victory, as the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup qualifiers resumed with three League B encounters on Wednesday.

Dominica also earned their first point of the season with a draw against Antigua and Barbuda. Four goalkeepers came away with a clean sheet, as stout-heart defending was the order of the third matchday.

Dominica vs. Antigua and Barbuda

Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda played to a scoreless draw at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia.

The visitors were nearly off to a dream start in the fifth as a cross into the box was on its way into goal from Kevoncia James, but Dominica goalkeeper Celia Gregoire grasped the ball to deny the opportunity.

James set up another dangerous opportunity in the 12th, but Donesha Samuel did not get her preferred hit on the ball to keep the scoreline level.

Antigua and Barbuda goalkeeper Anik Jarvis left her line well in the 27th to deny Le-Myah Forde in a one-on-one situation. A minute later, Jarvis delivered back-to-back saves as Dominica could taste the lead.

Ajahna Martin then tested Gregoire from a distance in the 54th but the goalkeepers continued to star into the second half.

Jarvis registered 10 saves and the clean sheet to help Dominica earn its first point of the tournament. Gregoire ended the day with six saves to help Antigua and Barbuda gain an away point and stay within striking distance of first place.

Suriname vs. Guyana

Guyana earned a 1-0 victory over Suriname to move to the top of Group A at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo.

Both goalkeepers were asked to make timely saves early on. Suriname's Mayra Tjin A Koeng made one of her three critical saves in the 18th, as Stefanie Kouzas looked primed to score from a through ball. 

On the other end, Chante Sandiford got her hands to divert a dangerous attempt in the 29th, in what was one of her four saves on the night.

Shanice Alferd broke through for the only goal of the night in the 41st by connecting with a cross into the box from Jalade Trim.

Suriname’s attacking front tried desperately to get the elusive equaliser in the second half, as Andaya Lantveld had one of her team’s best opportunities in the 55th. But Sandiford provided little room to work with and the woodwork did the rest.

The encounter was decided by small margins as Guyana and Suriname have now switched places in the standing, separated by goal difference.

Martinique vs. Nicaragua

Martinique registered their first victory of the tournament with a 1-0 result over Nicaragua at the Pierre-Aliker Municipal Stadium in Fort-de-France.

Maeva Salomon struck from distance in the opening minute of play and forced Nicaragua's goalkeeper Angela Gutierrez to get a hand on the ball which bounced off the woodwork.

Mylaine Tarrieu continued the menacing start from Martinique with an attempt in the 11th that went just wide of the mark.

Nicaragua’s Nuria Marquez dribbled into the box in the 28th, but her final touch was deflected by the outstretched leg of Emmeline Mainguy.

Ludmila Gaydu pounced inside the box for the opening goal in the 43rd, taking advantage of Gutierrez diving to punch away another attempt a few seconds prior.

Salomon continued to threaten with attempts on goal and service to her teammates, with a 68th-minute attempt from distance that went just wide.

Nicaragua never gave up searching for the equaliser as Niurka Molina had opportunities on goal in the 87th and 90th, but Mainguy maintained the clean sheet.

The October window of League A of the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League is complete. Many players delivered top performances over the course of the matches, yet these 11 players stood out the most at their respective positions.

Goalkeeper

Yannis Clementia, Martinique

Clementia was the only goalkeeper to register back-to-back clean sheets in the window, as he made six saves and three clearances in the two games for Les Matinino.

Defenders

Leo Abena, Suriname

Abena did the job at both ends. He scored in the 4-0 win versus Grenada and had five steals and six clearances over the two games.

Jonathan Rivierez, Martinique

Rivierez was another reason why Martinique did not concede a goal during the window in their two matches. He had a jaw-dropping 14 clearances on top of four steals.

Denil Maldonado, Honduras

Honduras were desperate for an early goal to quell any nerves in their finale against Cuba, and Maldonado came through with a score in the early going. He also had a steal, two clearances and completed 94 percent of his passes.

Alvin Jones, Trinidad and Tobago

Jones has been excellent for the Soca Warriors in helping them finish in the top two in Group A, as he added another goal to his tally and made seven clearances.

Midfielders

Adalberto Carrasquilla, Panama

Carrasquilla continues to show why he is one of the best players in the Concacaf region. He had the opening goal in the 3-0 win versus Guatemala and completed 87 percent of his passes during the window.

Reon Moore, Trinidad and Tobago

Moore seemingly covered every blade of grass for Trinidad and Tobago, scoring two goals and completing 91 percent of his passes.

Luis Palma, Honduras

Palma kept opposing defenders on their toes with a team-leading 11 shots during the two games. He also had an assist in the decisive 4-0 win against Cuba.

Forwards

Edgar Barcenas, Panama

Barcenas delivered the opening goal for Panama in their 2-1 win at Curacao and added an assist and three steals for good measure in the Canaleros’ two matches.

Rangelo Janga, Curacao

Janga was superb for Curacao in October, as he accounted for three of the team’s six goals, including a brace in the 5-3 victory over Trinidad and Tobago. He also completed 100 percent of his passes. 

Demarai Gray, Jamaica

Gray showed his class in Jamaica’s two victories, scoring a goal in each game from five shots and completing 89 percent of his passes.

The stage is set for a massive day on Sunday in Group B of League A of the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League, with the final quarterfinal spot up for grabs among Cuba, Honduras and Haiti.

Haiti vs. Jamaica

Haiti’s quest for the quarterfinal berth will face a very big test against group leaders Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Jamaica occupy pole position in the group with seven points and have already sealed their quarterfinal berth but will still be keen to find a victory and secure a first-place finish.

Meanwhile, Haiti, with three points, remain alive for a second-place finish and quarterfinal berth, but must first defeat Jamaica and then hope the result of the Honduras-Cuba match go in their favour. A draw between those two sides in Honduras and a healthy Haiti win could give Haiti the goal difference needed to advance.

The Jamaicans were very impressive when they downed Grenada 4-1 on Thursday, as they got goals from four different players, including Shamar Nicholson, who is now Jamaica’s all-time top scorer in the CNL with five goals.

Thanks to a goal from Mikael Cantave, Haiti played to an entertaining 1-1 draw with Suriname, their third straight draw in this CNL. Haiti extended their CNL unbeaten run to 12 matches, with five wins and seven draws.

Honduras vs. Cuba

The action then shifts to the Estadio Nacional Chelato Ucles in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where the home team and Cuba find themselves in a must-win situation.

Cuba currently sit second in the group on five points, with Honduras just behind in third with four points. Simply put, it is win and you are in for both Cuba and Honduras where a quarterfinal berth is concerned.

A draw could also be enough for Cuba to advance, provided Haiti drop points against Jamaica.

These two sides met on Thursday in a feisty affair that ended in a 0-0 stalemate. There were golden scoring opportunities for both sides, but neither could find the final touch. This time around, the likes of Yasnier Matos for Cuba and Edwin Rodriguez for Honduras will try to inspire their teams’ attacks.

Cuba have registered six wins and two draws in their last eight CNL matches, but Honduras will have history on their side, as the Catrachos have won five of their six matches against the islanders.

Suriname vs. Grenada

Group B will then come to a close at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo, as Suriname host Grenada.

This will be a meeting between the bottom two teams in the group, with Suriname at fifth on two points and Grenada in sixth with a solitary point.

While their 2024 Copa America dreams are no more, there is still motivation to avoid relegation and a victory for either might be enough to assure safety for another League A campaign.

Grenada suffered a 4-1 defeat to Jamaica 4-1 at home in their last outing but did show some spunk going forward and got a goal from Trevon Williams.

Suriname also showed their dangerous side in the first half of their 1-1 stalemate with Haiti on home soil and were bolstered by a goal from Ridgeciano Haps.

The group stage of the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup came to an exciting conclusion on Thursday night.

There were many excellent individual performances over the course of the group stage, yet these 11 players stood out the most at their respective positions.

Goalkeeper  

Jonathan Fonkel, Robinhood – Robinhood captured the top spot in Group B thanks in part to the efforts of Fonkel, who conceded just four goals while making 23 saves and 19 clearances.

Defenders  

Manuel Vidal, Moca – Vidal played a big role in Moca marching forward to the semifinals by making seven steals and nine clearances, plus scoring a goal.

Alierio Belfor, Robinhood – Sixteen clearances and six steals from Belfor was one of the many reasons why 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Club Shield winners Robinhood surged to a first-place finish in their group.

Justin Garcia, Defence Force – Garcia was one of the best passing defenders in the group stage, completing 92 percent of his passes while making eight steals and 10 clearances.

Midfielders

Clifford Thomas, Moca – Thomas was one of the anchors in the Moca midfield with seven steals while completing more than 90 percent of his passes.

Jalmaro Calvin, Cavalier – Calvin was seemingly everywhere for Cavalier. He scored two goals and chipped in three assists on the attacking end, and had a clearance and a steal on the defensive end.

Reon Moore, Defence Force – Moore performed at a high level in every match and finished with two goals, an assist and a steal.

Renske Adipi, Robinhood – Robinhood were in good hands with Adipi in midfield, evidenced by him completing 80 percent of his passes, scoring a goal and making four steals.

Forwards 

Shaquiel Bradford, Harbour View – Bradford wreaked havoc on defenses in the group stage and finished the four games with three goals and an assist.

Shaquille Cairo, Robinhood – The top scorer in the Shield with 10 goals followed that effort up with a five-goal haul in the Caribbean Cup group stage for Robinhood. He also had two steals.

Shaniel Thomas, Cavalier – Simply put; Thomas was breathtaking for Cavalier. He twice notched hat tricks during the team’s four games to help him finish with a tournament-leading seven goals. Defensively he helped, too, with three steals.