The BVI men’s national football team lost their practice match against Anguilla 1-2 on Thursday, as both teams are participating in a training camp in the United Kingdom.
This was confirmed by the BVI Football Association in a media release dated Friday January 28.
It said that despite Anguilla having a much larger squad than the BVI, the visitors were handed a tough battle against a BVI team which the FA said was missing several key players due to COVID-19 and injuries.
Anguilla scored the first goal before the half-time break thanks to Tafari Smith who forced the ball over the line following a goalmouth scramble by the BVI’s defense.
Anguilla’s second goal came at the boot of Shemron Carty who had been recently brought on as a substitute after the half-time break, to make the score 2-nil.
Despite being down two goals, the BVI continued to press the defense of Anguilla after inspiring talks from Coach Chris Kiwomya.
Midfielder Luka Chalwell had two close opportunities at goal before striker Tyla Forbes was fouled inside the 18-yard box to award BVI a penalty shot.
Jaimie Wilson stood firm and confidently converted the penalty to give BVI their sole goal of the game as the match ended 1-2.
Speaking following the match Coach Kiwomya said he was pleased with the effort of the team but not with the result.
He said, “The character of the team and the resilience is something we have been working on. I think we should have got a second goal in the game and had the better chances.”
He added, “I was really impressed with the second half and the chances we created, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We will go back, look at the game, see where we were good and where we weren’t quite so good and keep building. We still have some players to bring into the squad and we are looking for more competition, but overall, I’m pleased with today!”