Grenades FC 1-0 Dublanc FC

Grenades FC put one past CCCUL Dublanc to reach the 2024 CFU Club Shield final

Grenades FC 1-0 Dublanc FC

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao (August 2, 2024)—In a tense Saturday night semifinal encounter at Stadion Rignaal Jean Francisca, Grenades FC of Antigua and Barbuda secured their spot in the CFU Club Shield final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over CCCUL Dublanc FC from Dominica. Grenades, as one of the top two finishers alongside Arnett Gardens FC, also qualify to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

Grenades FC dominated the first half with a flurry of attacking opportunities but found themselves thwarted by Dublanc FC’s resolute defense. The match began with early chances, as Grenades’ Barrington Blake tested Dublanc’s defense with a powerful shot in the 5th minute, only to see it blocked. Dublanc responded with a long-range effort from Briel Thomas that sailed over the crossbar.

Dublanc’s goalkeeper Jerome Burkard was pivotal in keeping his team in the game, making impressive saves in minute 14 and 16 to deny Grenades’ Quinton Griffith’s attempts from distance. Despite Grenades’ dominance, the first half ended goalless as both teams struggled to break the deadlock.

The second half resumed with Grenades continuing to press forward. In the 52’, Luis Labrada set up Malcolm Stewart with a promising chance, but Stewart narrowly missed the target. Dublanc FC also had their moments, with Savio Anselm forcing Grenades’ goalkeeper Zaheem Scott into action with a shot in the 66’.

As the match entered its final stages, Grenades intensified their attack. The breakthrough finally came in minute 84 when substitute Darryl Massicot delivered a pinpoint cross to Sherman Augustin, who calmly slotted the ball into the far corner past Burkard’s reach, sending Grenades FC into jubilation.

With the 1-0 victory, Grenades booked their place in the CFU Club Shield final where they will face Arnett Gardens on August 4, at 8 pm.