Bermuda coach Aaron Denkins has praised his players for their efforts against Honduras in the final match at the Concacaf Under-17 Men’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Denkins’s side impressed defensively in the 2-0 loss to the host nation on Wednesday night. It was up front where the team was found wanting throughout the qualifiers, failing to score against Guyana and Honduras.

“The staff were extremely proud of the team,” Denkins said.

“They did what was asked and left everything out on the field. The defensive work all tournament was commendable. Honduras is the fifth-ranked team in Concacaf and they showed their quality on the field.

“Before the game and during the match, we made some tactical adjustments to see if we could get an advantage but the level was higher than we could adapt to. Their goals were well taken and they effectively dealt with our offensive plan.”

Denkins happy is that the bulk of the players he took to Honduras are still eligible for the qualifying campaign next year. Nuri Latham, Zydon Lightbourne Furbert, Jeon Wolfe, Rylan DeSilva, Z’Ani Jennings, Shiia Davis, Kaiyuri Albuoy, Roman Wilkinson, Kayuri Tucker and Deacon Wade will all have learnt from this experience.

“From the current team, ten are eligible for next year’s qualifiers,” the coach said.

“Having the core group of players should make it easier to prepare, knowing that we have experience to count on.”

Some of the family members of the players managed to travel to Honduras, where they provided crucial support to the island’s budding footballers.

“We had a very loud and supportive away section that helped the players through difficult moments of the game,” Denkins said.

“The parents that travelled were awesome. Their support was loud and constant, at times it felt like a home match, the support was welcomed and appreciated by all of the players.”