Weymouth Wales head coach Asquith Howell says confidence is high in his squad ahead of tonight’s must-win clash against Cavalier in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup at the Wildey Turf.
The recent 1-1 draw with Defence Force at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago left them second in the group, which means that victory would secure a top-two finish and a place in the semi-finals. Wales are level on four points with Defence Force in third and Cavalier, of Jamaica, in fourth.
“The mood in the camp is really good. We had a good session last night and the last two days, and I think the guys are really looking forward to this game. It’s one of the most important games of their lives, so everyone is fit and ready to go,” he told MIDWEEK SPORT ahead of their final group stage match.
Despite a few setbacks, the team is prepared. Howell confirmed that Andre Applewhite will miss the game after receiving two yellow cards, while national midfielder Jaheim Neblett remains suspended after picking up a red card in the competition opener.
“We have a couple of suspensions. Applewhaite is out tomorrow, but the team is multi-dimensional and we have options to fill the gap. After the last training session, we should have a clearer understanding of how we are going to go about it.”
Wales are likely to field a line-up similar to the one that earned a valuable draw against Trinidad’s reigning champions, Defence Force. Barbados’ first-choice goalkeeper, Kishmar Primus, is set to anchor the side, protected by a strong defensive unit that includes Mario “Bagga” Williams, Akeem Hill, Nicoli Brathwaite, Rashad Smith, Ricardio Morris, and recent signing, Romario Small. In midfield, captain Hadan Holligan is expected to orchestrate play alongside Elijah Downey and Romario Harewood, forming the core of the engine room. Up front, the returning Ackeel Applewhaite is available to bolster an attack that previously featured new signing Rashad Jules and Shaquille Stewart, while Armando “Suga” Lashley, who began the last match on the bench, offers an additional option in the final third.
“The game plan is to win,” Howell said. “We are confident, but not overconfident. We know we’re in a backup position, and we need to use that to our advantage.
“We continue to work defensively because we are confident, but we try to work hard on that area. We also work on our finishing because we know we need to score goals to put the opponents on the back foot. One of the main things is that we are trying to be disciplined, especially in the transition phases of the game. Whether it is in attack or defence, be disciplined.
“The 12th man is critical in any game. The last match may have been early, but fans were instrumental, pushing us to equalise and even try to win.”
While thoughts of a potential semi-final may be inevitable, the coach insisted the team is taking things one game at a time.
“We need to focus on this one first, then prepare for what comes next. We also have a Prime Minister’s Cup match to prepare for after this (against Deacons on Sunday, October 7), so we aren’t getting ahead of ourselves. This game is the most important for us right now, and I want us to take it one match at a time,” he said.
