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Port of Spain is stirring once again.
On Friday, April 17, beneath the lights of the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago’s Women Warriors will step onto familiar ground—chasing a dream that once slipped through their fingers by the narrowest of margins.
But this is not just another qualifier.
This is a moment shaped by history, driven by experience, and energised by a new generation determined to finish what was started.
And as Head Coach Damian Briggs has finalised his squad for the decisive clash against El Salvador, there is a clear blend of legacy and new ambition—one that reflects a team evolving at the right time.
Among the fresh faces is Nia Hislop, a promising young talent and daughter of former national goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, whose inclusion adds both intrigue and quality to the group. At the same time, the return of Asha James strengthens the squad with familiarity and experience—another important piece in what is shaping into a well-balanced unit.
But to fully understand the magnitude of what lies ahead, one must first revisit the campaign that defined belief in Trinidad and Tobago women’s football.
The campaign that inspired a nation
In 2014, the Women Warriors produced one of the most courageous and unforgettable runs in Caribbean football history.
Led by head coach Randy Waldrum and captain Maylee Attin-Johnson, Trinidad and Tobago captured the CFU Women’s Caribbean Cup title, defeating Jamaica 1-0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium through a Mariah Shade strike. That victory secured qualification to the CONCACAF Women’s Championship in the United States—a stage where the odds were firmly stacked against them.
Drawn alongside the United States, Haiti and Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago entered as underdogs.
What followed was something far greater than expectation.
A narrow 1-0 defeat to the USA saw goalkeeper Kimika Forbes produce a heroic performance, keeping the scoreline respectable against the world champions. That result, though a loss, signalled that Trinidad and Tobago belonged on that stage.
The response was emphatic.
A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti, secured by Kennya Cordner, demonstrated resilience—especially after the team was reduced to ten players. Then came a decisive 2-1 win over Guatemala, with Cordner once again delivering and Attin-Johnson converting from the penalty spot.
From underdogs to contenders, Trinidad and Tobago had forced their way into the semifinals.
One kick from history
The semifinal clash against Costa Rica remains one of the most emotional matches in the nation’s football history.
A late equaliser from Lauryn Hutchinson kept the dream alive, but heartbreak followed in a penalty shootout defeat.
Still, there was another chance.
In the third-place playoff, Trinidad and Tobago led Mexico 2-1 late in the contest before conceding, eventually falling 4-2 in extra time.
Yet the dream refused to die.
A final opportunity came in the intercontinental playoff against Ecuador. After a disciplined 0-0 draw away in Quito, the Soca Princesses returned home with belief. But in a cruel twist, Ecuador struck in stoppage time at the Hasely Crawford Stadium to secure a 1-0 win.
One moment. One goal. One heartbreak.
The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup slipped away—but a legacy was firmly established.
Legacy in motion
Fast forward to 2026, and the echoes of that campaign still resonate.
Veterans Kennya Cordner and Liana Hinds remain central figures—leaders who carry both the scars and the strength of that near-miss. Their presence provides continuity, belief, and a standard that the younger players can follow.
Cordner’s attacking instinct and fearless approach continue to pose a threat to any defence, while Hinds offers composure and experience at the back.
On the sidelines, former captain Maylee Attin-Johnson now serves as team manager—bridging generations and ensuring the lessons of 2014 remain embedded within the squad’s identity.
But this team is not living in the past.
It is building toward the future.
The introduction of players like Nia Hislop signals a new era—one where talent, heritage, and opportunity intersect. Combined with the return of Asha James, the squad reflects a deliberate mix of youth and experience, depth and determination.
This is not just continuity.
This is evolution.
The present mission: April 17
The stakes are once again immense.
A victory over El Salvador would propel Trinidad and Tobago into the quarter-final stage—just one step away from a potential place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
One match. One opportunity. One defining moment.
El Salvador arrive as group leaders—organised, confident, and fully aware that a draw would be enough to see them through.
For Trinidad and Tobago, the equation is simple:
Win… or watch the dream slip away again.
Signs of a team coming together
There are, however, strong reasons for belief.
Recent performances point to a team growing in confidence and cohesion.
A determined 2-2 draw away to Honduras showcased resilience under pressure, while a commanding 5-0 victory over Barbados highlighted attacking fluidity and depth.
These are not isolated results.
They are indicators of a team finding its rhythm at precisely the right moment.
With a residential training camp set for April 12 in Port of Spain, the focus now shifts to preparation, unity, and execution.
This is where belief is reinforced.
This is where teams become one.
Lessons from 2014
If there is one thing 2014 taught this nation, it is that success is built on discipline, resilience, and the ability to seize key moments.
Back then, Trinidad and Tobago stood toe-to-toe with giants and proved they belonged.
Now, the opportunity has returned.
The challenge is clear—take the moment when it comes.
A nation’s role
Football in Trinidad and Tobago has always thrived on passion and unity.
On April 17, the Hasely Crawford Stadium must become more than a venue—it must be a fortress.
Every tackle, every pass, every surge forward must be lifted by the energy of a nation that dares to believe once more.
Because this journey is not just about a team.
It is about a country.
The final word
In 2014, the Women Warriors showed the world their hearts. They proved where Trinidad and Tobago belongs. Now, more than a decade later, history is knocking again.
With experienced leaders, emerging talent like Nia Hislop stepping into the spotlight, the return of Asha James, and a nation behind them, the question is no longer whether Trinidad and Tobago can compete.
The question is:
Will this be the moment they finish what they started? April 17 will provide the answer.
And just like in 2014… It will be written with grit, belief, and the unbreakable spirit of the women warriors.
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