Trinidad and Tobago's Under 23 footballers scored a 2-0 victory over Caledonia AIA at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Saturday in preparation for next week's back to back friendlies against Canada's National Under 20 team.
Soon after, Ryan Stewart (29th) and Andre Toussaint (penalty, 75th) scored goals to secure the win, coach Hannibal Najjar, with assistance from Anthony Barrington selected a 20-man squad for the first friendly against the visiting Canadians set for 6pm at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya on Monday.
The 2002 Pro League Most Valuable Player, Toussaint spearheads the team selected. Also included are CL Financial Jabloteh midfielder Kerry Baptiste, who made his senior debut against Finland, Devon Mitchell, former Under 17 players Devon Bristol and Lee Haynes, St Anthony's College's Cleavon Geroge, Steve Sealey and Julius James. Senior Team goalkeeper Marlon Sylvester and Daurance Williams are also in the squad. Defender Kenwyne Jones was not considered because of an injury.
Najjar commented on his team, saying he was optimistic of a solid display as T&T prepares for their Olympic opening qualifier against Bahamas at a date to be announced.
"I am thoroughly impressed with the talent and the response that we have had over the past two weeks in putting this talent into the respective positions. The 0-0 draw with W Connection's professional team and the 2-0 win over Caledonia is testimony to the quality of the players we have at our disposal," Najjar told TTFF Media. He added that as was the case with the senior players now involved in the impasse, he's satisfied with the Under 23 players' ability to respond to the training and the appreciation shown towards working on perfect execution of it. T&T play Canada again on Wednesday from 6pm at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella. General admission is $10 per match.
The Squad:
Marlon Sylvester, Julius Balendemu, Anton Joseph (Defence Force), Devon Bristol, Kerry Baptiste, Ronald Primus, Devon Mitchell, Daurance Williams, Lee Haynes (Jabloteh), Ryan Stewart (Mayaro Spurs), Anthony Wolfe (North East Stars), Kevon Clement (W Connection), Julius James, Steve Sealey, Cleavon George (St Anthony's College), Darren Toby (St Clair Coaching School), Andre Toussaint (Joe Public), Serginho Sandy, Kareem Joseph (Caledonia AIA), Seon Power (Memphis FC), Lyndon Luke (Princes Town SC).