Saint Lucia's senior men's national football team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Barbados in their opening Concacaf Nations League match on Friday night at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, leaving them bottom of Group B after the first round.
Rajesh Latchoo, officially named head coach just three days before the match, oversaw his first game in charge. He fielded Vino Barclett in goal with a back line of captain Terell Thomas, Doneal Lionel, Melvin Doxilly, and Kurt Frederick. Midfield duties fell to Ajani Louis, making his full debut, alongside Lester Joseph and Gregson President, while Yanic Noel, Shevon Byron and Caniggia Elva led the attack.
Barbados, managed by Kent Hall since 2024, dominated early play in front of a crowd under 1,000. In the eighth minute, Doneal Lionel was penalised for a foul in the box, and Thierry Gale converted the resulting penalty to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Saint Lucia improved after the interval, particularly following the introduction of Kegan Caull and Djal Augustin. However, Niall Reid-Stephen sealed the result in the 73rd minute when he finished a through ball to make it 2-0, despite Saint Lucia's appeals for an offside decision.
The Piton Boyz face Bermuda on Monday at 8 pm at the DSCG. Bermuda lost 2-1 to Guadeloupe on Friday. Coach Latchoo is expected to add reinforcements to the squad, with Arkell Jude-Boyd and Donavan Phillip anticipated to join ahead of upcoming matches against Guadeloupe in Barbados.
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