Martinique make great start in the Caribbean Cup as French Guiana pull off astounding win over holders

Martinique produced an efficient display to see off Cuba 1-0 as they made a fantastic start in Caribbean Cup group B. The 3 points give Les Matinino a real chance of reaching the last 4 and, as a result, 2013 Gold Cup.

Parsemain take a tumble vs. Cuba

Kévin Parsemain was his usual tricky self early on and he headed over in the 9^th minute before he rounded Cuba goalkeeper Odelín Molina 4 minutes later only to see his shot cleared behind. Just after the quarter hour mark Alberto Gómez hit the bar for the Cubans but it was Les Matinino who struck the opener in the 29^th minute. Steeve Gustan carried the ball from midfield and found Parsemain, who quickly passed to Frédéric Piquionne. The one-time France international coolly slotted the ball beyond an outstretched Molina from just inside the box to give Martinique the lead.

Piquionne went close 10 minutes into the second half when his effort went just wide of the far post. Shortly after the hour mark Jaime Colome hit the bar for Cuba from a free-kick, and soon after Parsemain saw his 20-yard strike tipped wide by Molina. The Cuban stopper was called into action in the 75^th minute, parrying Gaël Germany’s very long-range shot over.  Parsemain went closer in the 82^nd minute, hitting the post from 30-yards, as Les Matinino pressed. As the game approached its conclusion they sat back, and Kévin Olimpa made a fine reaction save late on to preserve his sides lead and help secure a deserved, and crucial, 3 points.

Match information –

Score: Martinique 1 – 0 Cuba

Goals: Frédéric Piquionne 29’.

Martinique XI: Olimpa; Zaire, Hérelle, Crétinoir, Berdix; Germany, Sery; Gustan [Angély 86’], Mirza; Parsemain, Piquionne [Abaul 83’].

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French Guiana provided arguably the biggest shock in Caribbean Cup history as they stunned holders and favourites Jamaica to continue their fairytale journey with a 2-1 win.

Darcheville passes the ball

The non-FIFA side started well and Rhudy Evens shot wide from distance in the 14^th minute, but 6 minutes later Guyanese goalkeeper Laurent Petchy was called into action making a fine save from Demar Phillips who was clear through on goal. Straight away, French Guiana broke quickly and after a strong run into the box Jean-Claude Darcheville squared to hotshot Gary Pigrée whose goalbound effort was touched in by Jamaica defender Shavar Thomas. The goal failed to stun the Jamaicans who drew level just 2 minutes later, Tremaine Stewart breaking down the right and firing over Petchy and into the net. Daley had a couple of efforts before the break as Jamaica pressed.

French Guiana were quick out the blocks in the 2^nd half and it took only 3 minutes for Lesly Malouda to burst down the left and cross for Darcheville, who played in Evens, and his low shot deflected off the unfortunate Thomas and past Dwayne Miller as the non-FIFA side amazingly went ahead once more. Jamaica struggled to create any chances despite dominating the ball. Eventually with 10 minutes to go Stewart found himself in on goal but Petchy produced a superb double save to deny him. Cummins blazed over from close range in the final minute but it was all they could muster, and the Guyanese held on for an astounding win 1st-ever win over the Jamaicans.

The Guyanese meet Cuba on at 17:00 (21:00 U.K) on Monday before Martinique meet Jamaica. Updates will be available via our Twitter service @NonFIFAfootball.

Match information –

Score: Jamaica 1 - 2 French Guiana

Goals: Jamaica - Tremaine Stewart 23’. French Guiana - Gary Pigrée 20’, Rhudy Evens 48’.

French Guiana XI: Petchy; Marigard, Sophie, Torvic, Edwige; Evens, Lespérance, Ajaiso, Malouda; Darcheville [Habran 78’], Pigrée [Ridel 87’].