Larry Mussenden, the Bermuda Football Association president, said that he expected Bahamas to be formidable opponents in the first round of the World Cup qualifiers in March.

Bermuda and Bahamas were the first two teams drawn out of their respective pots at the Concacaf World Cup Draw in Miami last night.

The delegations from both Island’s were sat next to each other at the event, and Mussenden said that it was a surprise to see the two teams drawn against each other.

“We know that they [Bahamas] will take the qualifiers very seriously and they will be a most formidable opponent,” Mussenden said. “Likewise our Bermuda national team will put in the preparation and commitment to have two solid matches with the clear aim of advancing to the next round.”

The winners of the first round match, which is to be played over two legs from March 23 to 31, will then face Guatemala in the second round in June.

Mussenden is looking forward to some exciting matches over the next couple of months, and said that the time had come for the significant investment the governing body had made in the game in Bermuda to pay off.

“The people of Bermuda and all our member clubs have invested significantly in football development,” he said. “So, now we will pull it all together and with the support of the public to fill the National Sports Centre to capacity we look forward to some great matches and success.”

Meanwhile, the Bermuda Under-17 side have been invited to play two matches next month against their United States counterparts, the BFA announced yesterday.

The matches will be on February 20 and 22 in Bradenton, Florida, represent what the BFA believes to another exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience in a full international match against quality opposition.

The BFA has had a positive relationship with the United States Soccer Federation for many years, including in 2014 when Bermuda Under-20 side were invited on an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles for the US Soccer National Training Centre Invitational Tournament.

In preparation, Bermuda Under-17s will have a training session today followed by a practice match against the senior training squad at BFA Field in Prospect. Players are asked to arrive by 6.30pm.

Bermuda Under-17 (squad for today’s practice match against Bermuda): Nathan Trott, Azendae Furbert, Kamali Davis, Tevahn Tyrell, Ajai Daniels, Jerome Bailey, Jahzardae Samuels, Isaiah Taylor, Yani Smith Davis, Jahkari Furbert, Macquille Walker, Jahnazae Swan, Llineiko Millet, Jomari Gooden, Diondre Dowling, Mikel Thomas, Zenawi Bowen, Jason Symonds, Liam Evans, Oneko Lowe, Jahtino Richardson-Martin.

• The final team selection for the US trip will be announced next week, with overseas-based players in contention for places as well.