Weymouth Wales put on a courageous and commendable display in Sunday’s final of the 2025 CFU Club Shield but were edged 3-2 by Moca FC from the Dominican Republic at the Ato Boldon Stadium. They recovered from 3-0 down in the last ten minutes in what was a thrilling final to the 24-team competition.
In a tightly contested affair befitting the occasion, Moca FC seized the advantage in the 24th minute when Gustavo Ascona scored the opening goal. Richard Dabas extended the lead in the 75th minute to culminate a counter-attack that began with Yohan Parra winning the ball back.
Sergio Ventura added the third for Moca in the 82nd minute as he beat the Wales defense and shot home from close range. At 3-0 down, Wales never panicked but responded with two great goals in the space of two minutes. They cut the deficit to 3-1 with a free kick from playmaker Andre Applewaithe. He then provided the assist on the second goal from another free kick opportunity, which found Nicoli Brathwaite at the far post in the 87th minute.
Wales’ journey to the final was marked by grit and perseverance, including a memorable 2–1 semifinal comeback win over Martinique’s Club Franciscain. Their place in the final was a first for a Barbadian team in the Club Shield era and confirms Wales place as the leading club on the island.
The result in the tournament means Wales and Moca will play in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup 2025 tournament. Wales will play in Group B alongside Cobao FC, Cavalier FC, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force FC and Juventus de Cayes, starting Tuesday August 19. (PS)
