Any scant hope Bermuda Under-23s had of reaching next year's Beijing Olympics went up in smoke after being held to a goalless draw by the Cayman Islands.

Kenny Thompson's shot-shy colts must now get something out of their final game against Puerto Rico tomorrow to save themselves the indignation of a possible rock bottom finish of their qualifying group.

A victory, however, could see them finish in second place behind Cuba.

The Islanders had entered the qualifiers in Cuba full of confidence after completing an intensive training programme ahead of the three-game tournament, but a heavy 6-0 defeat against the host nation and disappointing draw against Cayman has left them playing for pride.

Coach Thompson was left ruing his team's prolificacy in front of goal and admitted he had expected his young charges to put Cayman to the sword. "We have to be very disappointed as this was a game we expected to win – and should have won. We had a lot of chances to kill them off we didn't take them and now we must accept this result," he said.

"The players are down but I've challenged them to get something out of our last game against Puerto Rico. We know they're a very strong team, well organised, and have some excellent players but I don't feel a victory is beyond us.

"Hopefully the players will take onboard the lessons they have learned so far in Cuba and make the necessary adjustments, both on and off the field, if they want to continue their progress."

Troy Brimmer, head of delegation, said Shane Hollis and Robert Richardson both had glorious chances to put Bermuda in the driving seat but failed to convert.

"We should have won this game and had a lot of possession but we just couldn't find the back of the net – we dominated the game. Seion Darrell hit a great 30-yard shot that was expertly tipped over the bar by their keeper.

"It's now going to be hard for us to finish second as Puerto Rico are a very good side. If we lose we could come bottom."