Guadeloupe take care of business as they defeat bahamas

The first of three CONCACAF Gold Cup Prelim matches on Saturday, July 3rd featured Guadeloupe defeating Bahamas 2-0 at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Thanks to a strong second half performance, Guadeloupe were able to pull away from the Bahamas to advance to the next round of the Gold Cup Prelims, where they will face the winner of Saturday nights Guatemala- Guyana match.

The entire match showed Guadeloupe dominating possession and not allowing Bahamas to get into any sort of rhythm in attack. However, Bahamas best moments in this game was in the opening minute when they had two golden chances at goal.

Guadeloupe goalkeeper Yohann Thuram made two incredible diving saves to deny a Wood

Julmis header and then a follow up shot from Marcel Joseph, which certainly would have changed the complexion of this match.

Bahamas goalkeeper Ian Lowe had to make a couple impressive saves himself with Guadeloupe continuously applying pressure on goal. They just struggled with their final balls into the box and would not create many clear chances at goal.

The first half ended goalless with both teams creating a few opportunities, but neither were able to get the better of the opposing goalkeepers.

The second half was much better from Guadeloupe as their constant pressure on the ball finally paid off in the 61st minute. A pass cut across the box and found Matthias Phaeton wide open for a solid right-footed shot into the back of the net to make it 1-0 for Guadeloupe.

That opening goal gave Guadeloupe the confidence boost they needed to take this game and run away with it. Just six minutes later, Raphael Mirval would double their lead with a solid header that just got by a diving Lowe.

Bahamas did their best to try and muster up a comeback, but Guadeloupe’s stifling defense made sure they ended this game with a clean sheet.

Guadeloupe will now face the winner of Saturday’s nights match between Guatemala and Guyana on Tuesday. The winner of that match advances to the Gold Cup group stage, which starts July 10th.