The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association has secured another International Friendly for this country’s National Senior Team for the month of May.
Having announced a friendly with current world number 9 ranked Uruguay for May 27th, TTFA President David John-Williams disclosed today that the “Soca Warriors” will travel to Lima to face Peru’s Senior Men’s Team on May 23rd.
In what can be dubbed T&T’s “Copa America” campaign, as the team continues to prepare for their 2018 World Cup qualifying bid in September, Senior Team head coach Stephen Hart welcomed another high-end international friendly for the National Team.
“We now have two games against quality opposition who will be in the final stages of preparation for their Copa America Centenario.” Hart told TTFA Media on Wednesday.
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, with all that playing away from home entails. Football is physically and psychologically demanding, and these are the type of games that demand complete concentration to maximize both individual and collective performances. One cannot ask for much more.” Hart stated.
In March 2013, T&T lost to Peru 3-0 in a friendly at the Estadio Nacional in Lima, conceding two goals in the closing seven minutes. Members of the current squad who were involved in that game include Kenwyne Jones, Aubrey David, Daneil Cyrus, goalkeeper Marvin Phillip, Carlyle Mitchell and Joevin Jones. T&T also lost 2-0 to Peru in February 2013 at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Peru, who is currently ranked at 46th on the FIFA table, has won the Copa America twice and qualified for the FIFA World Cup Finals four times. Captained by former Bayern Munich forward Claudio Pizarro, they finished third at the 2015 Copa America. Peru is preparing for Copa America Centenario matches against Brazil, Ecuador and Haiti. Following the May 23rd game, the Soca Warriors will journey to Montevideo to face Uruguay on May 27th.
The “Warriors” next 2018 World Cup qualifier will be at home against Guatemala on September 2nd at the Hasely Crawford Stadium before leaving for Jacksonville, Florida to face the United States on September 6th in the closing fixture of the CONCACAF Semi-Final Round.