FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique (CMC):

Cuba and Martinique scored contrasting wins in Group One of the Digicel Caribbean Cup on Friday, to advance to the final stage of the competition.

While Cuba trounced Suriname 3-1 in impressive fashion, Martinique managed just one goal and was forced to hold on to that slim advantage throughout 90 minutes.

In the opening game at the Stade-de-Dillon, Cuba struck early when Yordinas Oropesa sent them ahead in the fourth minute with a well-timed header, following an accurate Jamie Valencia free kick.

Oropesa was on target again in the 27th minute thanks to a generous slice of luck. Geosvani Balbonado knocked in a cross from the right side that picked out Pedro Fernandez but the resulting shot was saved by the Surinamese custodian.

Oropesa was on hand to collect the rebound, complete an easy tap in and send Cuba 2-0 up.

Spot kick

The match was virtually over as a contest 13 minutes later when Balbonado was brought down in the area by Marlon Felter and Jaime Valencia stepped up to put away the resulting spot kick.

Suriname battled hard in the second half but failed to make any inroads into the Cuban defence.

They saved some pride in the dying seconds of the game when Sergio Aroepa curled a splendid left-footed volley past the Cuban custodian to pull a goal back.

In the second game, the hosts grabbed the lead in the third minute through Xavier Bullet's magnificent diving header, after a great cross from Patrick Percin.

Left with all to do in the match, Haiti searched diligently for the equaliser but were kept at bay by goalkeeper Eddie Heurlie who was brilliant for Martinique.

Both teams squandered several chances to score before the game finished with Martinique as winners.

Haiti and Suriname clashed late yesterday to decide who will go forward to the three-team final qualifying group, scheduled to be contested next month.