Red Force to face Barbados for spot in 4-Day final

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force team will play Barbados Pride for a place in the 2026 West Indies Championship final, after being unable to grind out an outright win in their third-round match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Antigua Recreation Ground. 

With the pitch still playing beautifully for batting on today's final day, the Red Force bowlers toiled as they tried to dismiss the Leewards for a second time. Facing a 177-run deficit after the first innings, the Leewards batsmen applied themselves much better in the second innings and eventually got to 467 for seven before the teams shook on a draw at approximately 4 pm. 

Starting the day on 160 for four, the Leewards still trailed by 17 runs, but the overnight pair of Keacy Carty and captain Justin Greaves solidified the innings with their fifth-wicket stand of 174. Carty got to a First-Class best of 147 before offering a simple return catch to Khary Pierre (one for 102), while Greaves struck 122 before being cleaned up by the tireless Anderson Phillip (four for 89) with the second new ball. In the post-lunch session, with the Leewards score on 327 for six, Greaves was dropped on 96 by TT captain Joshua Da Silva. It's difficult to say if that missed chance would have had a significant impact on the outcome, but the Leewards batsmen rarely missed a step thereafter. 

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force skipper Joshua Da Silva is congratulated by Leeward Islands Hurricanes allrounder Kofi James on his double-century knock in their West Indies Championship match at the Antigua Recreation Ground. Photo courtesy Windies Regional 

After Greaves' eventual dismissal, wicket-keeper/batsman Jahmar Hamilton (50 not out) and Rahkeem Cornwall (66 not out) effectively killed the game off with an unbeaten 112-run partnership for the eighth wicket. 

When Da Silva introduced wicket-keeper/batsman Amir Jangoo for his first bowl in First-Class cricket, it's safe to say the Red Force threw up their white flag as the game was called off as a draw at the end of the subsequent over. 

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva was presented with a trophy after his team beat the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their three-match West Indies Championship series. 

The Red Force won the three-match bilateral series against the Leewards 1-0. Still, their overall points tally fell short of the haul of reigning champs Guyana Harpy Eagles, who completed a third straight victory against the Windward Islands Volcanoes. 

Guyana will now sit down for the final, which bowls off at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, on May 17, with the Red Force returning home for a short rest before facing Barbados in their semifinal playoff from May 10 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua. 

Summarised Scores: 

TT RED FORCE: 522/9 declared (Joshua Da Silva 220, Amir Jangoo 83, Jason Mohammed 47; Karima Gore 4/86, Oshane Thomas 2/70) vs LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES: 345 (Jahmar Hamilton 121, K Gore 90, Rahkeem Cornwall 38; Anderson Phillip 4/92, Terrabce Hinds 3/49) & 467/7 (Keacy Carty 147, Justin Greaves 122, R Cornwall 66 not out; A Phillip 4/89). Match drawn. 

GUYANA HARPY EAGLES: 242 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul 69, Keemo Paul 64; Ryan John 4/28, Darel Cyrus 3/79) & 299 (T Chanderpaul 117 not out, Gudakesh Motie 53; Kenneth Dember 3/52, R John 3/58) vs WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES 223 (Kavem Hodge 74, Alick Athanaze 50 not out; G Motie 4/52, Nial Smith 2/27) & 225 (A Athanaze 64, Johann Jeremiah 25; G Motie 4/82, Veerasammy Permaul 3/41). Guyana won by 93 runs. 

TKR start CPL title defence vs Patriots on August 8

Reigning Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champs Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) will start their 2026 title defence with a clash against 2021 champions St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at the Arnos Vale Stadium, St Vincent and the Grenadines on August 8. 

The fixtures for the 2026 season were released earlier today, with the five-time winners TKR set to play three away games before beginning their five-match home leg against St Lucia Kings on August 26. TKR's other home matches will be played against Barbados Royals (August 28), Guyana Amazon Warriors (August 29), new franchise Jamaica Kingsmen (August 31) and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons (September 2). 

For the first time in the tournament's 14-year history, seven teams will feature in a single edition, with the Kingsmen franchise expected to add to the spectacle. The Kingsmen will be thrown straight into the fire for CPL 2026, as they will play the tournament's opening match against the Falcons in SVG on August 7. 

TKR coach Dwayne Bravo speaks to the media during his team's welcome reception at the Piarco International Airport in September 2025. 

Of their ten league matches this season, TKR will play the following teams twice: the Amazon Warriors; the Falcons; the Kingsmen, and the Royals. TKR will only play the Patriots and the Kings once. The CPL playoffs will be held from September 16-20, with the final to be staged at the iconic Kensington Oval venue for the first time. 

Last year, for the first time in the tournament's history, none of the matches in Trinidad were played at the Queen's Park Oval, with TKR instead playing all their home matches at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba. When asked if any matches will be played at the Queen's Park Oval this year, CPL's head of PR and Communications, Peter Miller, said the Trinidad venues are still to be confirmed. 

A look at TKR's matches for the 2026 CPL season. Photo courtesy TKR

In Last year's CPL final in Guyana, TKR defeated their rivals the Amazon Warriors by three wickets in a low-scoring affair to cop an unprecedented fifth title. 

Jereem clocks 10.25 at Pure Athletics Invitational

Largely known for his exploits over the 200-metre and 400m disciplines. Trinidad and Tobago track and field star Jereem Richards switched things up over the weekend when he clocked 10.25 seconds in the 100m final at the Pure Athletics Spring Invitational in Florida on April 25. 

Competing at the National Training Centre in Clermont, the 32-year-old Richards placed fourth in the final behind Jamaica's Ryiem Forde (10.12s), Ivory Coast's Cheickna Traore (10.16s) and American Brendon Stewart (10.22s). Earlier in the day, Richards won heat five in 10.28s, getting clear daylight between himself and the heat's runner-up Ian Kerr (10.58s). 

TT's Jereem Richards (R) competes in the men's 100m event at the Pure Athletics Spring Invitational in Clermont, Florida. Photo courtesy SD School Photography 

At this very meet last year, Richards ran a personal best time across the 100m distance when he clocked 10.16s. The highlight of Richards' 2025 season was, of course, his stunning silver-medal finish in the 400m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. 

At the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland, last month, Richards grabbed bronze in the men's 400m final in 45.39s. 

Phillip grabs six, but Red Force falter with bat

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force bowlers picked up where they left off on the opening day of their West Indies Championship Four-Day clash with the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, as they bowled out the opposition for just 131 in the first innings at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, earlier today. 

However, unlike the first meeting between the two teams, the Red Force batsmen hardly had things their own way, as the visitors were left in a precarious position at 85 for six by the end of the day's play. 

Coming off an emphatic innings and 271-run victory over the Leewards, Red Force captain Joshua Da Silva didn't hesitate when he won the toss this morning, sending the hosts to bat first. The Red Force didn't have to wait long to see positive returns, and fast bowler Anderson Phillip bossed the first half of the day's proceedings with figures of six for 38. Phillip bowled with good pace and hit a consistent length on off stump, dislodging the top four of Mikyle Louis (13), Kadeem Henry (13), Keacy Carty (four) and the struggling Jewel Andrew (golden duck). 

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force fast bowler Anderson Phillip. Photo courtesy Red Force

Drafted into the playing XI for this game, number three batsman Karima Gore was the only player who offered resistance as he cracked 57 off 90 balls, and was ultimately the last man out as he drove Terrance Hinds (one for 46) out to Jason Mohammed at deep cover. 

Jayden Seales also had a good day with ball in hand and returned figures of three for 33 as he took the wickets of Justin Greaves (six), Jahmar Hamilton (duck), and Rahkeem Cornwall (two). 

With the first day's pattern seemingly following the script from the first encounter, the Leewards fast bowlers quickly had their say to make several inroads of their own. Perhaps inspired after receiving his Leewards cap from legendary Windies pacer Curlty Ambrose before the start of play, Kelvin Pitman rocked the Red Force top order with figures of four for 20. Not to be outdone, burly Jamaican pacer Oshane Thomas (two for 32) once again bowled with pace and hostility to clean up Evin Lewis (18) and dismiss first-match double centurion Amir Jangoo for 13. Thomas wasn't done there, as he also struck Jyd Goolie (six) on the hand with a rapid bouncer, forcing the left-hander to retire his innings. 

Leeward Islands Hurricanes fast bowler Kelvin Pitman receives his playing cap from the legendary Curtly Ambrose

Though Phillip may have thought his exploits with the ball warranted a well-deserved rest, he has joined a watchful Da Silva (16 not out) in the middle. Together, the pair will hope they grind out enough runs to give Red Force a lead going into the second innings. The hosts currently have a 46-run lead, but with three days left, this contest is far from over. 

Roundup of scores in the West Indies Four-Day Championship after today's action. Photo courtesy Cricket West Indies media 

Summarised Scores: 

LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES - 131 (Karima Gore 57, Jeremiah Louis 19, Mikyle Louis 13; Anderson Phillip 6/38, Jayden Seales 3/33) vs TT RED FORCE - 85/6 (Evin Lewis 18, Joshua Da Silva 16 not out, Amir Jangoo 13; Kelvin Pitman 4/20, Oshane Thomas 2/32). Leewards lead by 46 runs. 

Ceren, El Salvador end Trinidad and Tobago's dream

Two clinical right-footed strikes from El Salvador captain Brenda Ceren were all it took to dash this country's 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup hopes, as the senior women's football team lost 2-0 in a must-win Concacaf W Qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, tonight. 

With the win, El Salvador deservedly move on to the Concacaf W Championship, while Trinidad and Tobago's qualifying journey ends here. Hopefully, for the sake of the women's programme, the team doesn't need to be weeks or months away from a qualifying competition before a staff and competent team can be put together. 

In December, coach Damian Briggs' TT team got a 5-0 win away to Barbados, before clawing back to get a 2-2 draw away to Honduras last month. The latter result, combined with El Salvador's comfortable 3-0 and 13-0 wins over Honduras and Barbados, respectively, meant TT needed a win tonight to top group F and move on to the next phase of qualifying. 

Members of the TT women's football team huddle during a session at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. Photo courtesy TTFA

In what is quickly becoming a theme when supporting the varying national teams, fans would have left the stadium pointing to the team's fight, heart, and determination. However, overall, the team lacked the sustained quality and even fitness levels to trouble the visitors. And once Ceren opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a shot from a tight angle after being sprung on the counter, TT's task became an uphill one as they needed to score twice without conceding again. 

Unfortunately, despite cries and chants from fractions of the modest crowd, a comeback never looked likely. 

Teenage starlet Nikita Gosine was arguably TT's brightest outfield player, and she took on the mantle of the home team's attacking thrust once 37-year-old captain Kennya "Yaya" Cordner was substituted in the 61st minute. However, despite her best efforts and support from her family and cheering posse, the Pleasantville Secondary standout couldn't do it alone. She shouldn't need to. 

By that time, TT were already down 2-0, as Atlas FC's Ceren scored her second in the 51st minute when she toyed with the defenders before curling an exquisite shot past goalie Simone Eligon and into the bottom corner. Ceren comes from a football-mad family, as her three siblings have represented El Salvador at the international level. Tonight, she was in a class of her own. 

El Salvador women's football team captain Brenda Ceren. Photo courtesy Fifa 

Eligon could hardly be blamed for the goals conceded, as she made some key saves which kept her team in the contest and displayed composed handling for most of the match. 

The heart and grit in the TT team came from the 16-year-old Gosine and left back Kaitlyn Darwent, 17, who deputised in the place of injured AS Saint-Etienne defender Kedie Johnson, a big miss with her bombing runs down the flank. Liana Hinds also put in a shift in the middle of the park before making way in the final few moments. 

With 42 per cent possession to their name, the hosts did have fleeting moments of quality in the final third. Their best chance arguably fell to Gosine in the 27th minute, but she fired a left-footer over the bar from a tight angle after being found over the top by Asha James. In the 56th minute, Gosine had an instinctive swing at goal after a smart swivel outside the area, but Riley Melendez was equal to the task. 

In the end, it was another disappointing trip to the Hasely Crawford Stadium, but it was a fruitful one for El Salvador as they look to take their place in their maiden Concacaf W Championship. For the TT football faithful and those at the TT Football Association, the postmortem will now begin. 

TT women's football team flanker Nikita Gosine rides a tackle during the Concacaf W Qualifier away to Honduras in March 2026. Photo courtesy TTFA

Trinidad and Tobago Starting XI: 1.Simone Eligon (GK); 4.Emma Schneider, 12.Myla Schneider, 6.Victoria Swift, 22.Kaitlyn Darwent; 7.Liana Hinds, 8.Elise Franco; 11.Aaliyah Prince, 23.Asha James, 9.Nikita Gosine; 19.Kennya Cordner (captain). 

'Yaya' ready to lead from the front

Expect skipper Kennya "Yaya" Cordner to lead from the front when the Trinidad and Tobago women's football team play El Salvador from 6 pm today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo in a must-win Concacaf W Qualifier. 

At 37, Cordner is still a big part of the TT women's setup, and is expected to lead the line for coach Damian Briggs' team as they hunt the victory which will take them to the Concacaf W Championship. With El Salvador leading group F of the Concacaf W Qualifiers on six points, anything less than a win for the second-placed TT (four points) will spell the end of their 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup qualifying run. 

Speaking to media personality Whitney Husbands earlier this week during the team's residential camp, Cordner touched on the importance of her role as team leader. 

"As the captain, I have to lead from the front because I'm no stranger to the game. I am worldwide and international, so I have to lead as the captain that I am for the younger ones, because they are the future," Cordner said. 

Trinidad and Tobago women's football team coach Damian Briggs and team captain Kennya "Yaya" Cordner at yesterday's media briefing at Radisson Hotel in Port of Spain. Photos courtesy TTFA

"(The players) have to stamp their name and authority because we have to show (the) TT (public) that women could still play the football and we could still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup," Cordner said, of the intensity that will be needed for the El Salvador match. 

Though approaching 40, Cordner said she still has a lot left in the tank to produce at this level and has a burning desire to help her country get a step closer to next year's World Cup in Brazil. 

"Sometimes people feel your age is too big of a number for you to continue the game. Age is just a number," the Speyside-born forward said. "I'm 37, and I'll be 38 in November. I may not run like the 18, 16 and 24 year olds, but I can still run as much as 70-plus minutes in a football game because once you're mentally in it and you mentally want something...you will go after it." 

She said the residential camp was integral to building team chemistry off the field, and it also gave her a chance to rub shoulders with the younger players whom she expects to take up the mantle once she and other experienced heads call it a day. 

Gates for today's clash will open from 4 pm, while tickets will be on sale at the venue from 3 pm. Regular uncovered tickets are priced at $60, while two-for-one uncovered tickets are priced at $100. Covered tickets are priced at $120. 

Members of the Trinidad and Tobago women's football team go through their paces on the eve of their Concacaf W Qualifier with El Salvador. 

Kevin Wickham cracks pair of centuries in Four-Day opener

Barbados Pride top-order batsman Kevin Wickham has made a grand statement to start the 2026 West Indies Four-Day Championship season, rattling off a pair of centuries in his team's opener against the Jamaica Scorpions at Chedwin Park, Spanish Town, Jamaica. 

In the first innings, the 23-year-old right-hander spanked a First-Class best of 153 off 193 balls as Barbados posted a formidable score of 348. With the Jamaicans replying with a solid first-innings score of 342, the stylish Wickham returned for more in Barbados' second innings by hitting an unbeaten 108 off 155 balls, his fifth First-Class century in only his 22nd match. In the second innings, Wickham shared in a 116-run stand for the sixth wicket with Shamar Springer (54 off 98) as the Barbados Pride eventually declared on 317 for eight. 

Barbados Pride right-hander Kevin Wickham plays a cut shot against Jamaica Scorpions in their 2026 West Indies Championship Four-Day opener in Spanish Town, Jamaica. Photos courtesy Cricket West Indies/Athelstan Bellamy

Set an improbable 324 for victory on today's fourth and final day, the Scorpions were sitting comfortably at 85 without loss at the time of publication, as the teams looked destined for a draw. 

The Pride and the Scorpions will bowl off the second match of their three-match series from April 19 at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica. 

Summarised Scores: 

BARBADOS PRIDE - 348 (Kevin Wickham 153, Kyle Mayers 64, Shamar Springer 40, Joshua Bishop 37; Marquino Midley 4/32, Peat Salmon 4/104) & 317/8 declared (K Wickham 108 not out, Shayne Moseley 65, S Springer 54, Kraigg Brathwaite 44; M Mindley 3/48, Abhijai Mansingh 2/56) vs JAMAICA SCORPIONS - 342 (Carlos Brown 61, Odean Smith 49 not out, P Salmon 45, Romaine Morris 42; Jomel Warrican 5/71, K Mayers 2/17) & 85/0 (John Campbell 40 not out, Kirk McKenzie 26 not out). 

Kevin Wickham raises his bat after reaching the century mark against the Jamaica Scorpions in their 2026 West Indies Championship fixture. 

Red Force blow away Hurricanes in three days

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force made light work of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their opening match of the 2026 West Indies Four-Day Championship when they completed a dominant innings and 271-run win at the Coolidge Cricket ground, Antigua, on April 14. 

The Leewards never came to the party in what is the first of three meetings between the teams in a unique regional season, as they were bowled out for meagre scores of 138 and 98, granting the Red Force victory on only the third day. In contrast, the Red Force batsmen seemed like they were batting on a different pitch. And led by left-hander Amir Jangoo (203 not out off 287 balls), they rattled off an imposing 507 for five declared in their lone turn at the crease. 

Jangoo got to 133 by the end of day two as he brought up his second First-Class hundred. And in tandem with allrounder Terrance Hinds (100 not out off 195), he knocked the stuffing out of the Leewards bowling attack in an unbeaten 253-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Just after the lunch interval on day three, both men got to landmarks, as Jangoo brought up his second double hundred at the regional level, while Hinds got to his second First-Class century, both of which have come against the Leewards. 

With the respective milestones out of the way, the Red Force declared, allowing their bowlers to do the rest. By the tea break, the Leewards were on 37 for three, as pacers Anderson Phillip (two for 18) and Jayden Seales (one for 16) tore through the top order with ease. Skipper Justin Greaves (56 not out off 128) was the only batsman to put up any real fight as the hosts were skittled out for 98 late in the final session. 

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force batsmen Amir Jangoo (left) and Terrance Hinds put the Leeward Islands Hurricanes bowlers to the sword in their West Indies Four-Day Championship match. Photo courtesy Cricket West Indies media

Just like they did in the first innings, spinners Khary Pierre (four for 37) and Bryan Charles (two for 15) accounted for six scalps, with Charles dismissing last-man Oshane Thomas (duck), who was cruelly left on an island by his skipper. Perhaps Greaves' mind and body were tired, as he was the only recognised batsman to score in double figures. The other player to score in double digits was lanky number ten batsman Daniel Doram, who struck two fours in an innings of 16. 

The Leewards post-mortem will be an interesting one then, as they must dust themselves off for part two of their battle with the Red Force, which bowls off at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, on April 19. 

Red Force left-hander Amir Jangoo delivered a masterclass, notching his second double-century at the regional level. 

Summarised Scores: 

LEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES: 138 (Jahmar Hamilton 44, Jewel Andrew 27; Bryan Charles 3/9, Khary Pierre 3/34) & 98 (Justin Greaves 56 not out, Daniel Doram 16; K Pierre 4/37, B Charles 2/15) vs TT RED FORCE: 507/5 declared (Amir Jangoo 203 not out, Terrance Hinds 100 not out; Oshane Thomas 3/98, J Greaves 1/64). Red Force won by an innings and 271 runs. 

Briggs: We're all soldiers fighting for the cause

Trinidad and Tobago women's football team coach Damian Briggs said his players are all fully committed to the cause as they count down the days to their pivotal Concacaf W Qualifier against El Salvador at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on April 17. 

Briggs' charges began a residential training camp yesterday, and the coach reckons the time spent together off the pitch can forge an unbreakable bond as TT go into the must-win match. 

"The closer you can get off the pitch, the better for when you're on the pitch," Briggs told TT Football Association (TTFA) Media. "We're all soldiers, and we're all fighting for the same cause, and everyone is willing to die for someone." 

Trinidad and Tobago women's football team coach Damian Briggs talks to TTFA Media. 

            

Briggs may sound a bit extreme, but the situation is a do-or-die one for TT, who are second in group F on four points heading into the final group match. With only the group winner advancing to the Concacaf W Championship and keeping their 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup dreams alive, TT must defeat group leaders El Salvador (six points) to progress.

He said time away from the intense action allows his players to open up to each other, talk about their families, and share some of the things that bring them joy outside of football. When the game kicks off from 6 pm on April 17, though, Briggs knows it's all about business.

TT have made as many as five changes from the squad which went to Honduras and earned a comeback 2-2 draw last month, with midfielder Asha James among those back in the mix. TT will be without French-based left back Kedie Johnson, who scored a first-half penalty in the draw with Honduras. And though Johnson is unavailable, Briggs believes he has found the right formula by adding sufficient depth to the squad.

"For this one, we thought we just wanted to keep building on what we had. We looked across our bench and we wanted to have as strong a bench as we could have our starting XI," he said. "We had some new faces to look at and we then decided and chose the ones who fit in best with how we play and the style we want to play." 

Trinidad and Tobago left back Kedie Johnson (right) calmly passes her penalty into the net during her team's Concacaf W Qualifier against Honduras on March 4. Photo courtesy TTFA

                        
James is no stranger to the TT setup, but has been in and out of the squad in recent months due to issues with team management. James aside, the players drafted into the squad are central midfielder Summer Arjoon, 19-year-old attacking midfielder Sonia Lamarre, defender Sakiah Williams and striker Nia Hislop, the daughter of TT goalkeeping legend Shaka Hislop.

Briggs said the players want to be part of making history on this World Cup journey, and he asked the TT faithful to come out in their numbers for the team's only home game in this qualifying round.

"I think the girls have worked really hard during the campaign. They want to make the country and their families proud," Briggs said. "That 12th man. It's important to us because they give that energy, lift, and that boost. Them being there will make it more memorable for the players and everyone once we cross the line."

Regular tickets for the uncovered section are priced at $60, while there are two-for-one uncovered section tickets for $100. Tickets for the covered section are priced at $120. Gates open at 5 pm.

Tickets are on sale nationwide for Trinidad and Tobago's Concacaf W Qualifier against El Salvador on April 17.

'Grateful' Asha returns to national setup for Concacaf qualifier

Playmaker Asha James has returned to the Trinidad and Tobago women's football setup for their crucial Concacaf W Qualifier against El Salvador at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on April 17. 

The 26-year-old James has been included in a 23-member squad selected by head coach Damian Briggs and is in line to play her first match for the national team since their opening qualifier away to Barbados on December 1, 2025. Over the past year or so, James has been quite vocal about issues concerning the national team, even calling out the TT Football Association (TTFA) for its perceived lack of preparedness ahead of these qualifiers. 

James stepped away from the team before their qualifier away to Honduras last month, but the Tobago-born player is back and ready to make an impact for the must-win clash with El Salvador. 

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to be back with the national team for our final group match against El Salvador," James said. 

TT women's team midfielder Asha James. Photo courtesy James' Facebook page 

"We understand what's on the line, and there's a strong belief within the squad that we can get the job done and finish top of the group to move on in the World Cup qualifiers," the talented midfielder said. "It won't be easy, but we're ready for the battle." 

James aside, Briggs has drafted in four other players for next week's match, as Summer Arjoon, Nia Hislop, Sonia Lamarre, and California State University defender Sakiah Williams have also been included in the squad. Arjoon is a tidy, ball-playing central midfielder. Hislop is a forward at the University of Massachusetts and the daughter of legendary TT goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, while the 19-year-old Lamarre impressed for TT's under-20 unit at the Jewels of the Caribbean tournament in December. 

While Briggs will be happy to have the services of James once again, France-based left back Kedie Johnson will be a big miss to the squad. The impressive flanker has been ruled out after failing to recover from a concussion she suffered while playing with AS Saint-Etienne. Saudi Arabia-based midfielder Maria-Frances Serrant remains a high-profile absentee. Among the team's regulars are veteran forward Kennya Cordner, Liana Hinds, Aaliyah Prince, Victoria Swift, and teenage star Nikita Gosine, who rescued a 2-2 draw for TT against Honduras with a late penalty. 

TT women's football team coach Damian Briggs (C) speaks to the media at the launch of his team's Concacaf W Qualifier against El Salvador. The launch was held at SIP on the Ave, Ariapita Avenue, on April 2. Photo courtesy TTFA

The task for Briggs' team is a straightforward one, as they must defeat group F leaders El Salvador (six points) in order to advance to the Concacaf W Championship, the final qualifying tourney for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup. TT are second in the four-team group on four points. El Salvador blanked Honduras 3-0 in their first match, before hammering Barbados 13-0 last month. Meanwhile, TT opened their campaign with a 5-0 victory over the Bajans, before earning a comeback draw against Honduras to stay alive in the qualifiers. 

As he takes his team into a camp this weekend, Briggs cuts a confident figure. 

"We've selected what we believe is the best possible squad at this time," Briggs told TTFA Media. "There are a few additions who will bring added depth, along with some experienced players returning to the group." 

The match will kick off at 6 pm on April 17, with gates open from 5 pm. Uncovered tickets are priced at $60 (single) and $100 (two-on-one special), with covered tickets priced at $120. 

TT women's team for Concacaf W Qualifier with El Salvador: 

Goalkeepers: Malaika Dedier, Simone Eligon, Akyla Walcott. 

Defenders: Kaitlyn Darwent, Javanah Moreno, Emma Schneider, Myla Schneider, Cicely Spencer Wickham, Victoria Swift, Christa Waterman, Sakiah Williams. 

Midfielders: Summer Arjoon, Ariana Borneo, Elise Franco, Nikita Gosine, Liana Hinds, Asha James, Sonia Lamarre.  

Forwards: Alexcia Ali, Kennya Cordner, Nia Hislop, Aaliyah Prince, Gabrielle Williams. 

TT women's football team squad for the Concacaf W Qualifier against El Salvador on April 17. Photo courtesy TTFA

Rio Cardines signs contract extension with Crystal Palace

Trinidad and Tobago men's team full-back Rio Cardines has signed a contract extension with English Premier League club Crystal Palace. The extension was confirmed earlier today by Palace, with the 19-year-old Cardines now having a deal which runs until June 2028. 

The Stevenage-born Cardines has been a regular in the red, white, and black since featuring for coach Shawn Cooper's national under-17 team in 2023. He then went on to represent TT at the under-20 level before making his senior team debut in the Unity Cup in May 2025 under former coach Dwight Yorke. 

Trinidad and Tobago defender Rio Cardines proudly holds his Crystal Palace jersey aloft. Photo courtesy Crystal Palace

The feisty Palace right back played all three matches at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, and played the first four matches for TT in the final round of qualifying towards the 2026 Fifa World Cup. More recently, Cardines turned out for TT at the Fifa Series in Uzbekistan last month, as interim coach Derek King's team lost to both Venezuela and Gabon. In the latter match against Gabon, Cardines played a hand in the two goals scored by captain Levi Garcia with a pair of delightful set pieces. Both Cardines and Garcia, however, missed from the spot as Gabon won 3-2 via a penalty shootout after a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time. 

Rio Cardines lines up a set piece against Gabon in their Fifa Series encounter on March 30. Photo courtesy TTFA

Having joined Palace at 16 in 2022, Cardines signed his professional contract with the London-based club in 2024. He made 20 appearances for Palace's under-21 team in the 2024/25 season, with his long-awaited first-team debut coming in October 2025 in a UEFA Conference League clash away to Dynamo Kyiv. Cardines is yet to feature in the Premier League for Palace, but did make a substitute appearance against league holders Liverpool in an EFL Cup match back in October. 

Cardines is delighted to extend his contract with Palace as he hunts for more playing time with the first team. 

"I'm proud and excited to extend my contract here. I'm looking forward to the future and hopefully getting more first-team minutes and continuing to kick on," Cardines said. 

Meanwhile, the club's academy director, Gary Issott, said Cardines has gone from strength to strength and he expects him to continue making strides beyond the current campaign.