WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – The 2024 CFU Club Shield began with two matches in the preliminary round on Thursday at the Stadion Rignaal Jean Francisca in Willemstad, Curaçao.
SWA Sharks and B.A.Y.S FC earned their place in the Round of 16 with 1-nil victories over Paradise International FC and SCSA Eagles, respectively.
The preliminary round will conclude on Friday with Grenades Football Club against Guyana Defence Force FC followed by A.S. Junior Stars vs. CCCUL Dublanc. Both encounters will take place at the Stadion Rignaal Jean Francisca.
SWA Sharks preserve first half lead
Turks and Caicos Islands side SWA Sharks won 1-nil over Paradise FC International FC of Grenada to open the 2024 CFU Club Shield.
Joshua Isaac nearly opened the scoring in the 4’ with a diagonal strike across the box but was just wide of the left post.
Peterson Saint Fleurant made a vital stop in the 26’ to deny a shot on goal from Keston Williams.
Billy Forbes scored the match's lone goal in the 42’ with an individual dribble into the box followed by a finishing touch to the back netting.
Saint Fleurant made another critical save in the 89’ to preserve the clean sheet.
The next opponent for SWA Sharks will be Puerto Rican club Metropolitan FA in the Round of 16 on Saturday.
B.A.Y.S FC wins with second half goal
B.A.Y.S FC of Saint Lucia earned a 1-nil victory against SCSA Eagles of Sint Maarten.
Mikel James made one of several key tackles in the 10’ to deny a drive into the box from Eagles forward Maarten Jansen.
SCSA Eagles goalkeeper William Price cut off a dangerous cross in the 28’ from Kennedy Willie.
Khalid Tavernier couldn’t connect with a ball into the box from Timon Van Duin in the 55’, allowing Jurell Mathurin to capture the ball.
Jurell Mathurin diverted the ball away from his area on a corner kick in the 59’ to deny a goalscoring opportunity.
Rio Longville scored the match-winning goal in the 79’ as the B.A.Y.S FC frontline pounced to intercept a ball back in play from a goal kick.
BAYS FC advanced to the Round of 16 and will face Curaçao side CRKSV Jong Holland on Saturday.
