The 2024 First Citizens Knockout Cup champions, Defence Force, are gearing up for a crucial match against Club Atletico Pantoja in the round of 16 of the CFU Club Shield tournament. The match is set to take place on July 27 at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curacao at 5:30 pm.
Defence Force, who recently clinched the league and knockout cup titles in the 2023 TT Premier Football season, secured their spot in the CFU tournament after finishing third in the 2023/24 TTPFL season. Coach Lloyd Andrews is determined to lead his team to victory in order to advance to the Concacaf Caribbean Cup which kicks off on August 20.
With the CFU competition shifting to a knockout format this year, Defence Force understands the importance of each game. Andrews admitted to knowing little about their opponents, Club Atletico Pantoja, but he remains confident in his team’s ability to come out on top.
Preparations for Defence Force have been going well, although adjusting to the artificial turf at the Curacao venues has posed a challenge for the players. The squad, led by captain Jamali Garcia and featuring experienced players like Christopher Biggette, Brent Sam, and Kevon Goddard, is ready to give their all on the field.
Despite injuries sidelining key players like Matthew Woo-Ling and Nathaniel Garcia, Defence Force is focused on a strong performance against Club Atletico Pantoja. The team is aiming to secure a spot in the quarterfinals, with a potential match scheduled for July 30.
