Bermuda stormed into the semi-finals of the Caribbean Football Union Under-14 Challenge Series today at the conclusion of group play in Dominican Republic.

Vashun Blanchette’s side finished second to the host nation in group A with five points. That was good enough to secure a spot in the last four as the best runner-up in Tier 1.

Bermuda joined Jamaica, Haiti and the host nation for the semi-finals on Friday, with the four teams playing for a spot in the final scheduled for Sunday.

The Gombey Warriors booked their place the hard way, grinding out a goalless draw with Dominican Republic in their final group fixture.

It was a match defined by big defensive moments. Five minutes before the break, Bermuda goalkeeper Henrik McIntosh was sharp to react, springing out to block Jace Postlethwaite’s ricochet when the defender’s attempt to block Diego Gutiérrez’s shot almost beat his own keeper.

Three minutes later, Kyron Bryan produced a crucial intervention, timing his tackle perfectly to prevent Rickelme Jiménez from pulling the trigger.

Bermuda rode their luck at the start of the second half when Aldwin González was left unmarked for a free header from a corner, but much to the Island’s delight, the effort sailed over the bar.

McIntosh then stood tall in the closing stages, making two great saves in quick succession, first denying Jimenez and then turning away Daniel González to preserve the point.

That clean sheet, combined with results elsewhere, saw Bermuda finish as the best second-placed team from the three groups.

With momentum and belief behind them after going through the group stage unbeaten, Blanchette’s youngsters turn their focus to the semi-finals.

A place in the final is up for grabs, as Bermuda seek to emulate their run in 2024, when they reached the title decider before suffering a heartbreaking 4-3 loss on penalties to Barbados.