Bermuda 0

Puerto Rico 0

Bermuda have been left with a must-win scenario in their final Caribbean Under-17 Championship qualifier after being held to a scoreless draw by Puerto Rico in Nassau, Bahamas, yesterday.

Bermuda will take on group leaders Martinique in their final group match at Roscow R. L. Davies Stadium tomorrow knowing that anything shy of victory would spell disaster in terms of progressing to the finals in Haiti in September from where the top two will qualify for the Under-17 World Cup in Chile next year.

Martinique, who beat Puerto Rico 2-0 in their opening match, repeated the feat against Bahamas in the second match of the double-header to head group four by two points.

Andrew Bascome’s squad created chances to come away with the lion’s share of the spoils while playing in sweltering 90 degree heat, but, time and time again, good approach work was let down by some poor finishing. In the end, Bermuda were fortunate to come away with a point, given that Puerto Rico struck the woodwork in the first half.

Chances were few and far between for Bermuda in the opening stanza. During a rare raid down the left Amar Lewis had the ball cleared away as he shaped up to shoot after being fed by Oneko Lowe, while Jahkari Furbert headed Osagi Bascome’s searching free kick wide.

Then Puerto Rico, whose advances forward grew more sparse as the half progressed, almost pulled off a snatch and grab with a header that hit the bar in the 23rd minute.

Bermuda began to apply more pressure towards the end of the half but had nothing to show for their efforts at the break.

Bascome made two changes ten minutes into the second half to inject more energy into the team, bringing on Ahria Simons and Jomei Bean-Lindo for Jahkari Furbert and Macquille Walker respectively.

Simons made an immediate impact, with the Puerto Ricans content to sit back and allow Bermuda to run at them.

Yet, despite mounting wave after wave of attacks, Bermuda failed to unlock a Puerto Rico defence that held firm till the end.

With full time looming, Lowe spurned a golden opportunity when he volleyed over the bar after a corner kick fell invitingly his way.

Bermuda, who thrashed Bahamas 4-0 in their opening group match on Wednesday, will now look to rediscover their scoring touch when they face Martinique at 4pm Bermuda time tomorrow, with their qualifying hopes hanging in the balance.

The five group winners and two best runners-up join hosts Haiti in the tournament proper.