A late double strike by 16-year-old substitute Dishon “Eto” Howell earned the Barbados senior national team an amazing come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Bermuda in their away international football friendly on Saturday night in Hamilton.
Howell, who plays for Pro Shottas, became an instant hero after replacing captain and experienced striker Mario Harte with things looking rocky for the Tridents, who were trailing 1-2 and desperate for goals.
Using his youth and exuberance, the teenager, who previously toured with the senior national team but never played, equalised one minute after coming on, punishing on a blunder by Bermudian goalkeeper Quineaceo Hunt.
With three minutes added on for stoppages, Howell also made good use of the final moments, hooking the ball around a defender and into the back of the nets to secure the winning goal and silenced the home fans inside the Bermuda National Sports Centre.
Earlier, the hosts took the lead in the 15th minute, when midfielder Willie Clemons headed past experienced goalkeeper Jason “Barbers” Boxill.
Minutes later, defender Jaylon Bather scored from a goal-mouth scramble after a corner kick, as Bermuda capped a dominant first half with a 2-0 lead.
The Tridents came out in the second half with more purpose, and their pressure paid off in the 61st minute, when striker Zeco Edmee took advantage of a slip by a defender and slotted home.
They desperately hunted for the equaliser but were kept at bay by stout defending from Bermuda, who sensed victory at that stage. However, the last-ditch substitution turned the tables as Howell lived up to his nickname. (RA)