Yorke: T&T’s Far from Finished
Yorke: T&T’s Far from Finished
Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team head coach Dwight Yorke maintains that their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign is not dead in the water as a result of Tuesday’s 1–1 draw away to Curaçao.
The former T&T skipper was quick to point out the team is still in with a mathematical chance of advancing.
“It’s never over until it’s mathematically over,” Yorke said. “There are still six points to play for. We can get to 11, while Curaçao, if they win both games, can reach 14. We can only control what’s in front of us.”
Curaçao and T&T played to a 1–1 draw in their CONCACAF Group B encounter at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad. The hosts struck first in the 19th minute through Kenji Gorré, who fired a right-footed shot into the top corner. Tyrese Spicer equalised in the 58th minute, blasting a left-footed strike past goalkeeper Eloy Room after an assist from Rio Cardines.
That result leaves Curaçao on eight points and Trinidad and Tobago on five, sitting in third place. Meanwhile, Jamaica (nine points) retook the lead in group after blanking winless Bermuda 4-0 in Kingston. Curaçao will next travel to face Bermuda on November 13, while Trinidad and Tobago will host Jamaica on the same day.
Despite the result, Yorke remained optimistic about his team’s progress, highlighting their resilience and growth throughout the qualifiers.
“We’ve been on the road for the past three games. We’re the only team in the group to play three consecutive matches away,” Yorke noted. “Although we now have two home fixtures, it’s been tough on my team. We’re a young side, still growing, but I’m very pleased with how we performed.”
He praised his players’ commitment and attitude, noting that they had created more opportunities than their opponents (Curaçao) across both legs, and as well in earlier fixtures.
“I felt that over the two games, tonight and back in Trinidad, we were slightly the better team and probably deserved to get more out of them,” he opined. “My players gave everything we asked. We created more chances, but we haven’t been able to convert them.”
The former Manchester United striker also revealed that Curaçao’s veteran coach Dick Advocaat shared similar sentiments about the match outcomes. “Dick is a very experienced and honest manager. On both occasions, he told me we were slightly the better team and deserved more. That means a lot coming from someone of his stature,” Yorke said.
However, Yorke acknowledged that individual errors continue to cost his team vital points. “We gifted the first goal to them, which seems to be a pattern we need to correct,” he admitted. “But full credit to my players, they didn’t give in. A point might be reasonable, but it’s not what we wanted.”
The 52-year-old coach emphasised that while luck hasn’t always been on Trinidad and Tobago’s side, he remains proud of his squad’s effort and potential.
“Maybe the football gods haven’t been with us,” Yorke reflected. “We’ve had goals disallowed on marginal calls and missed a few chances, but I’m proud of this team. They’re young, they never give up, and they’ve shown real character. We just haven’t quite gotten over the line yet.”
With two matches remaining, both at home, Yorke and his side will look to capitalise on the remaining opportunities in hopes of keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
T&T: 22. Denzil Smith (GK), 05. Josiah Trimmingham, 04. Jerrin Jackie, 19. Rio Cardines, 03. Kobi Henry, 06. Andre Raymond, 15. Dante Sealy, 13. Tyrese Spicer, 16. Molik Khan, 11. Levi Garcia, 18. Andre Rampersad.
Substitutes: 14. Wayne Frederick, 21. Jabari St. Hillaire, 01. Jabari Brice, 12. Isaiah Lee, 02. Deron Payne, 08. Daniel Phillips, 17. Justin Garcia, 10. Kevin Molino, 07. Steffen Yeates, 20. Real Gill, 23. Noah Powder, 09. Nathaniel James. Coach: Dwight Yorke.
Curacao: Eloy Room (GK), 03. Jurien Gaari, 07. Juninho Bacuna, 11. Jeremy Antonisse, 19. Gervane Kastaneer, 18. Armando Obispo, 14. Kenji Gorre, 02. Shurandy Sambo, 05. Sherel Floranus, 08. Livano Comenencia, 10. Leandro Bacuna.
Substitutes: 17. Tyrese Noslin, 09. Jurgen Locadia, 20. Joshua Brenet, 16. Jearl Margaritha, 06. Godfried Roemeratoe, 21. Kevin Felida, 23. Trevor Doornbusch, 12. Sontje Hansen, 04. Roshon van Eijma, 24. Riechedly Bazoer, 22. Leandro Merencia, 15. Arjany Martha Coach: Dick Advocaat
Referee: Cesar Ramos (Mexico)
