U-15 Boys win two matches
T&T U-15 Boys record two wins from opening three matches in Baku
Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-15 Boys have recorded two victories from their opening three matches at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The team, coached by Randolph Boyce, opened its campaign with a 3-1 victory over St Kitts and Nevis.
Forward Djoshua Cyrus scored twice, while midfielder Jaden Marcelle added the other goal to give Trinidad and Tobago a positive start to the tournament.
T&T returned to action against Iraq at the Hovsan Competition Complex but went down 2-1 in a competitive encounter.
Jaylon Carrington scored for Trinidad and Tobago in the 25th minute, but Iraq held on to secure the three points in the Group S contest.
The team responded strongly in its third match, producing a dominant performance to defeat the Cayman Islands 7-0.
Aaden Jones opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Zaa’Van Joseph doubled the advantage six minutes later.
Cyrus added his third goal of the tournament in the 28th minute, followed by Marcelle one minute later. Ryan Francette found the net in the 34th minute before Jiair Nanton completed the scoring with goals in the 36th and 37th minutes.
Boyce said the opening three matches provided encouraging signs while also identifying areas that require further work.
“There have been some positive moments, particularly in the way the players have created chances and shared the responsibility for scoring,” Boyce said.
“At the same time, we know that there are areas in which we must improve. The match against Iraq showed us that at this level, mistakes can be punished quickly. This experience is about helping the players understand those demands and become better from each game.”
The head coach also welcomed the response shown by the team against the Cayman Islands following the defeat to Iraq.
“It was important to see how the boys responded. They approached the match with a good attitude, moved the ball well and remained focused,” he said.
“The scoreline was pleasing, but our focus remains on the development of the players, their decision-making and how they perform against different styles of opposition.”
The victory gave Trinidad and Tobago a record of two wins and one defeat from its opening three matches, with 11 goals scored and three conceded.
The tournament is being played in an eight-a-side format, with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves. Trinidad and Tobago were drawn in Group S alongside Egypt, Iraq, Macau, St Kitts and Nevis and the Cayman Islands.
The young Soca Warriors will continue their campaign against Egypt, with the match scheduled to kick off at 1:00 a.m. Trinidad and Tobago time and available live on DAZN.
Trinidad and Tobago results
Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 St Kitts and Nevis
Scorers: Djoshua Cyrus (2), Jaden Marcelle
Trinidad and Tobago 1-2 Iraq
Scorer: Jaylon Carrington 25’
Trinidad and Tobago 7-0 Cayman Islands
Scorers: Aaden Jones 13’, Zaa’Van Joseph 19’, Djoshua Cyrus 28’, Jaden Marcelle 29’, Ryan Francette 34’, Jiair Nanton 36’, 37’
