A PENALTY and a controversial goal at the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday evening earned Trinidad and Tobago a place in the 2001 Copa Caribe final at the expense of Cuba. Though the “Soca Warriors” played most of the game in their own half of the field and ended with just ten men, they triumphed 2-0.

Midfielder Angus Eve was sent off for his second bookable offence after a handled ball in full view of the referee’s assistant. Regardless, coach Ian Porterfield’s troops will continue on their march towards an eighth regional title.

They will meet the free-scoring Haitians at the same venue on Friday.

Haiti booked their place in the final earlier yesterday evening with an emphatic 5-0 win over Martinique.

Employing a ruthless counter-attack, Haiti got three close-range goals through Renel Mompremier in the 18th and 56th minutes and substitute Luicadent Olman three minutes from time.

A 26th minute penalty by Chrismona Telfuma—converted after a retake was ordered—and a deft lob by Jacques Pierre sealed the rout.

Things were not nearly as clear-cut in the second match of the double-header. T&T could have easily been three goals down in the opening ten minutes of the game but for fine goalkeeping from Clayton Ince. The hosts eventually came into their own and were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute when Stern John fell over after a challenge by Alexander Driggs.

Arnold Dwarika held his nerve to convert despite the heated protests by the Cubans.

But the visitors were even more incensed in the 59th minute when John appeared to cradle the ball with his hand before knocking home.

Their frustrations continued when they had a consolation item ruled out for outside in the 74th minute. Serguei Prado knocked past Ince from close range after teammate Jorge Urrutia had headed the ball across the goal.

But referee Roger Gurley was not convinced.

And, of course, the referee’s decision is irrevocable.