Brave Bonaire bow out to Suriname in ABCS semi's

Bonaire went some way to laying to rest the ghosts of last years 8-0 thrashing by Suriname as they bravely went down 2-0 in the ABCS Tournament semi-finals in Curaçao in a game they could have got something from.

Anthem...Bonaire before the match

After an even opening the FIFA side took the lead after 20 minutes. A corner from the right-hand side was poorly defended by Bonaire and SV Robinhood striker Galgyto Talea pounced for his first international goal.

The Surinamese stepped up the pressure after the opening goal and almost doubled their tally 5 minutes later. Joal Bajar released Giovanni Waal but the midfielder shot narrowly wide of Rugenio Josephia’s left-hand post.

After this chance the non-FIFA side began to find their composure and took the game to Suriname. Rolando Janzen fired wide from distance in the 35^th minute before Ilfred Piar, who scored against Suriname in the 2010 ABCS Tournament, forced a fine save from Obrendo Huiswoud with a powerful free-kick.

Bonaire started the second half with similar enthusiasm but were dealt a sucker-punch in the 61^st minute when striker Dimitrie Apai doubled the FIFA sides lead. Despite the setback Bonaire continued to play good football and had a glorious chance to claw a way back into the game in the 69^th minute.

SV Juventus forward Giovanni Makaai was played in with only Huiswoud to beat but he hesitated and the goalkeeper was able to smother the ball. Apai went close again for Suriname but Bonaire kept focused and remained untroubled whilst failing to create further chances of their own.

A more than respectable defeat means the non-FIFA side will meet the losers of the second semi-final, between hosts Curaçao and Aruba, on Saturday night.

Match information -

Score: Bonaire 0-2 Suriname

Goals: Galgyto Talea 20’, Dimitrie Apai 61’.

Bonaire XI: Josephia; Rodriguez-Vergara, Beaumont, R. Coffie [Makaai 64'], Gijsbertha; Pauletta, Valenzuela [A. Piar 59'], Janga, Janzen; Barzey [Seinpaal 81']; I. Piar [L. Coffie 60'].