St. Fleur adds to legendary status as Bahamas claim victory

NASSAU, Bahamas – After earning promotion from League C, Bahamas earned a 1-0 victory over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the opening match of Group C of League B of the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas.

Visiting Vincy Heat were the hot team in attack during the first half. Nazir McBurnette sent the first warning shots in the 12th and 13th minutes, but both long-range attempts went just wide of the mark.

Addeen Charles then fancied a chance of his own from outside the box in the 18th minute as the visitors grew in confidence. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines kept plugging away, as Cornelius Stewart and Terris Joseph had the only two shots on goal during the opening period in the 20th and 22nd minutes, respectively. 

Joseph was denied by the woodwork in the 30th minute of play in what was the sixth attempt of the first half by the visitors, while the only first half opportunity for Bahamas came in stoppage time from Christopher Rahming.

Things changed after the break and Bahamas were the team of the second half, nearly taking the lead in the 57th minute during a free kick opportunity when Evelt Julmis’ header was stopped cold by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines goalkeeper Jadiel Chance.

The home side provided a spectacular attempt off another free kick chance in the 62nd minute when Rahming attempted to convert on a bicycle kick, but the shot was just wide.

As the locals pressed for the opening goal, Wood Julmis earned a penalty after he was fouled inside the box in the 68th minute. Bahamas captain and all-time top scorer Lesly St Fleur converted from the spot to provide his nation with a lead that they held until the final whistle.

The victory maintains Bahamas’ undefeated record in CNL action to 4-1-0 all-time. The result also marks only the second CNL defeat for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.