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Arnett’s Concacaf dream ends against Real Hope
September 27, 2024
Arnett Gardens Football Club's chances of making it to the semi-finals of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup went up in smoke at the National Stadium on Wednesday night, after they could only muster a 0-0 draw against Real Hope of Haiti when a win was required.
The result means Arnett stay at the bottom of Group A with just one point from three matches, and with just one game remaining, they cannot surpass group leaders Cavalier (six points) and second-place Real Hope (five points).
"We are disappointed of course," Arnett coach Xavier Gilbert commented post-match. "We will have to focus on the league now. And that is where we will shift our focus, though we have another game to go."
Nevertheless, Gilbert thought they had enough chances to get all three points.
"We sat back. We created some problems and some good openings, but we just didn't capitalise on the opportunities we created," he added.
In an evenly contested first half, Real Hope looked to keep possession and exploit the flanks, while the home team was quick on the break.
Both teams created good openings and promising offensives, but the final ball in and around the area left a lot to be desired.
It was completely the opposite at the start of the second half, with Arnett controlling possession and looking to take the game to their opponents, while Real Hope tried to play on the break.
Chances were few, however, with Arnett being the main protagonists. Marlon Allen had the best chances of the half, but he headed over from six yards.
Real Hope had a good opening later, but a good defensive block prevented a dangerous shot to goal.
Rushike Kelson came on and also added a spark for Arnett. He got off a good shot that was saved by the Real Hope goalkeeper.
"It was a very difficult match," Real Hope coach Harry Louis said. "Arnett were very organised, but we are pleased to take the point. We wanted the three points, but we will take the five points from three games. Second in the group is something we will take going into the last game against Mount Pleasant."
Police of Trinidad are third in the group on four points, and Mount Pleasant fourth on three points.
