Soca Warriors edge Cuba 2-1 in Gold Cup qualifier

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (CMC):

Trinidad and Tobago came from behind to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Cuba in the first leg of their Concacaf Gold Cup qualifier yesterday.

Cuba struck first in the sixth minute, capitalising on a well-executed team move as Maykel Reyes delivered a precise assist to Yasnier Matos who finished clinically.

However, the Dwight Yorke-coached Soca Warriors regrouped and fought back, and their persistence paid off in the 20th minute when Isaiah Lee equalised with a clinical goal-line tap-in after some good work down the left side from Tyrese Spicer.

The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Steffen Yeates put Trinidad and Tobago ahead with a left-footed shot from close range.

Despite Cuba’s efforts to find an equaliser, Trinidad and Tobago’s defence held firm, ensuring they took a narrow but valuable lead into next week’s second leg.