Staff WriterGroup G of the Digicel Caribbean Cup kicks off this week to determine the final two teams to qualify to the Digicel Caribbean Cup finals in Martinique from November 26th – December 5th.
Hosts Antigua & Barbuda will take on Group C runner-up, Suriname, Group D winner, Dominica and long term rivals Cuba, at the Antigua Recreation Grounds from November 10th – November 14th. The top two teams that emerge from this Group will join Group E winners, Guadeloupe, and runner-up, Grenada, Group F winners, Trinidad & Tobago, and runner-up, Guyana, as they compete for a place in the final of this year’s Digicel Caribbean Cup 2010. Current champions, Jamaica, and host country for the finals, Martinique, make up the eight teams to take part in the finals from November 26th.
President of the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association, Everton Gonsalves, said; “I am delighted with the standard of the team at the moment and I am sure that they will do Antigua & Barbuda proud.
“Our hopes and aspirations are high but football is a game of uncertainties and we essentially are going to war as we take on our long time rivals, Cuba, a Dominica side which is improving and also a very good Surinamese team. However, there’s no place like Antigua & Barbuda – so if you love your country I want to see you raise your flags high and chant loud in support of our national team,” he continued.
In a shock result from Group F, former champions, Haiti, were knocked out leaving Trinidad & Tobago’s Soca Warriors and Guyana’s Golden Jaguars in the top eight. The Group – which was dubbed the Group of Death – proved too much for the Digicel Cup 2006 Champions. Although they beat St. Vincent & the Grenadines and drew against Guyana, Haiti’s heavy defeat by Trinidad & Tobago meant they would go out of this year’s Digicel Caribbean Cup on the tie break rule earlier than expected by most.
To add to the excitement of this year’s tournament, Digicel Antigua and Barbuda is giving customers a chance to win tickets for them and five of their friends for the Digicel VIP Experience in the ARG hospitality box. To be in with a chance of winning, customers simply have to top up with $25 or more – or pay their bill in full and on time. In addition, at-match promotions will give Digicel customers the chance to win credit or the chance to “Kick for Cash” and win a brand new Samsung P1000.
In addition, Digicel is hosting a two-day football clinic in which more than 90 aspiring young footballers will be coached in the basics of the beautiful game by Sunderland AFC’s, Kevin Ball and Carlton Fairweather, two of the best coaches in the Barclay’s Premier League
The eight best teams from the region will play in the finals in Martinique for the title of Digicel Caribbean Cup champions 2010 and walk away with US$120,000. Runners up will take home US$70,000 and third and fourth place winners will win US$50,000 and US$30,000 respectively. The top four countries will also advance to the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States.
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