Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Guadeloupe advance to the Digicel Caribbean Cup Finals
11-29-2006

GCC BOURDA, Guyana: Guadeloupe became the final automatic qualifier to the Digicel Caribbean Cup finals in Trinidad in January with a 3-1 win over Antigua and Barbuda in Guyana.

Guadeloupe got off to a perfect start and recorded the fastest goal of the Digicel Caribbean Cup so far when, after 27 seconds, Gerald Gavarin ran straight through the Antiguan defense and slotted home past the advancing Joseph.

It was simply a disastrous start for Antigua who, having filed a complaint on the eligibility of one of the Dominican starters from Sunday’s clash, went into the game on the hope of picking up the all-important qualifying spot for the DCC finals.

It didn’t get a whole lot better for Antigua as Guadeloupe's Angloma and midfielder Lambourde threatened the Antiguan defence time and time again.

On 25 minutes Gavarin should have claimed his second when, after having the ball laid off to him by Angloma who had linked well with Lambourde, he managed to hit the keeper’s legs from point blank range.

The duo of Angloma and Lambourde were not be outdone though and, on 31 minutes, the two combined effectively to slice through an absent Antiguan defense with Lambourde steering the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.

To their credit Antigua always looked to go forward at every opportunity and on the stroke of half time claimed back a goal. Peter Byers went on a lovely run down the left hand side and, after drawing a number of Guadeloupe defenders toward him, cut the ball across goal to Gason Gregory, who thundered his shot past keeper Fausta.

Guadeloupe came out in the second half realising that this game was far from over and on 60 minutes came so close to reclaiming their two goal advantage.

Substitute Loic Lebon ensured he made room for himself with some quick footwork and having cut inside the static Antiguan defense had only keeper Carl Joseph to beat.

His shot however was well saved by the feet of the custodian and kept Antiguan hopes still firmly alive.

Despite some nice passing movements Antigua failed to really threaten Marvis Fausta’s goal for the remainder of the game and on 72 minutes Gavarin claimed his second of the day to make it 3-1 to Guadeloupe and end the game as a contest.

After a good right wing run and cross by Michael Laurent had resulted in a deep back post cross, Gavarin had shown real purpose by anticipating the move and peeling off his marker to nod home a delightful goal at the back post from 3 yards.

So ends Antigua’s involvement in the Digicel Caribbean Cup for another year, but Guadeloupe head home with hopes high to claim one of the Gold Cup qualification places on offer in January at the DCC finals being held in Trinidad.

Antigua & Barbuda: Carl Joseph, Andre Robinson, Dave Carr, Damean Farrell, Gason Gregory, Ranja Christian, Simon Tyio, Blair Christian, Karanja Mack (Kerry Parker 30’), Peter Byers, George Dublin

Guadeloupe: Marvis Fausta, Marving Onesta, Michael Laurent, Constant Theresine, Alain Vertot, Xavier Bematol (Frederic Phaan 61’), Gerald Garvin, Joycelyn Angloma (Loic Lebon 45’), Cedric Vanoukia, Jean Luc Lambourde, Levvy Hanany