Strikers go after third straight title in CAF

Central Association of Football (CAF) giants Harlem Strikers got their title defence off to a perfect start in the League, securing victories in matchdays one and two over the past two weekends.

​In 2024, the Cunupia-based team made a clean sweep of the titles on offer, and last year they successfully defended their League title. Despite a delayed start to the season on the weekend of October 17-18, the Strikers looked well-prepared, thrashing Cresco FC 3-1. Harlem’s victory came courtesy of goals from Leroy Whyle in the 45th minute), Corie Dhanoolal (75th), and Cadeem Jackie (90+3), cancelling out Jaheem Dailey’s 56th-minute strike for Cresco FC.

​On that opening weekend, however, there was no such luck for runners-up Central Soccer World (CSW), which went down by a similar 3-1 scoreline to Real Central FC. Real Central, seasoned campaigners in the CAF, raced ahead with goals from Andrew Beckford (30th) and Ishmael Castang (40th) to build a 2-0 advantage.

​Real Central went into the break in full control, but the momentum shifted shortly after the restart when Nathaniel O’Garro scored in the 68th minute to cut the lead to 2-1. However, Real Central had the final say as Kevin Vivas restored their two-goal cushion in the 75th minute.

Orangefield Firehouse FC was also in the winner’s row in the opening round, defeating Compadres FC 3-1. Ronaldo Weekes had drawn first blood for Compadres in the 18th minute to give his side a 1-0 lead.

​Orangefield’s response was delayed, allowing Compadres to go into the break with a 1-0 lead. However, a second-half brace from Christophe Blenman turn the game around, with the prolific striker scoring in the 65th and 70th minutes. As Orangefield took complete control of the match, Dylan Diaz added an insurance goal in the 89th minute to secure maximum points.

​Meanwhile, the Strikers were even more convincing in their second match, whipping Evolution FC 4-0. A double strike from Dhanoolal (34th, 82nd), added to goals from Tristan Perrotte (12th) and Chike Ahing (70th), set the stage for a potential three-peat for the Cunupia team.

​Real Central also secured two wins from as many matches, with Shahir Burke (26th) and Nicholas Dyett (55th) guiding them to maximum points in a 2-1 triumph over Compadres, despite a 51st-minute strike from William Murray.

Results

Match day 1

Central Lyons 1 ( Isiah Mitchell 58th) vs CG Warriors 1 (Malique Bruzual 26th)

Evolution FC 1 (Gabriel Nash 37th) vs Gasparillo Youths FC 3 (Nikel Rawlins 23rd, 85th, Aaron Oudit 35th)

Compadres FC 1 (Ronaldo Weekes 18th) vs Orangefield Firehhouse 3 (Christophe Blenman 65th, 70th, Dylan Diaz 89th)

Cresco FC 1 ( Jaheem Dailey 56th) vs Harlem Strikers FC 3 (Leroy Whyle 45th, Corie Dhanoolal 75th, Cadeem Jackie 90+3)

Central Soccer World FC 1 (Nathaniel O’Garro 68th) vs Real Central FC 3 (Andrew Beckford 30th, Ishmael Castang 40th, Kevin Vivas 75th)

Matchday 2

Harlem Strikers 4 (Tristan Perrotte 12th, Corie Dhanoolal 34th, 82nd, Chike Ahing 70th) vs Evolution FC 0

Real Central FC 2 (Shahir Burke 26th, Nicholas Dyett 55th) vs Compadres FC 1 (William Murray 51st)

CG Warriors FC 1 (Elijah Payne 65th) vs Gaaparillo Youths FC 5 (Nikel Rawlins 21st, 59th, Akeel Phillip 53rd, M Robinson 68th, Kendell Mason 82nd)

Central Lyons FC 1 (Elijah Christian 85th) vs Central Soccer World FC 2 (Dion Lewis 5th, 65th)

Orangefield Firehouse FC vs Cresco FC. Cresco was awarded 3 goals due to Firehouse not being prepared to play at the time of kickoff.