Bermuda have been handed another tricky draw in the Caribbean Cup after being pitted against French Guiana and Dominican Republic in the second round of the competition.

Andrew Bascome’s side will renew hostilities with French Guiana, who they beat 2-1 in last month’s preliminary-round qualifiers, on June 1 at the Stade Municipal Dr Edmard Lame in Cayenne.

Bermuda will face Dominican Republic, a team ranked 18 places above them in the Fifa rankings, in their second game at the National Stadium three days later.

In the final group four match Dominican Republic will take on French Guiana at home on June 10.

Bermuda advanced to the second round after finishing as runner-up in their qualifying group on three points after losing 2-1 away to Cuba before an impressive victory over French Guiana at the National Stadium.

French Guiana, an overseas department of the French Republic and therefore not able to enter the World Cup, gave Bermuda a stern examination in the qualifying round, enjoying the superior swathes of possession for much of the game.

In March last year French Guiana defeated Honduras 3-1 in the first leg of a Concacaf Gold Cup qualifier before losing 3-0 in the away leg, and will be heavy favourites against Bermuda in front of their own supporters.

Like French Guiana, Dominican Republic also finished top of their Caribbean Cup qualifying group on goal difference after losing 2-1 away to Curaçao before a 2-0 victory over Barbados.

The second round of the competition will feature five groups, with the winners and four best runners-up advancing to the third round to be held from October 3 to 9. Jamaica, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago have received a bye to the third round.

Keishen Bean, who captained Bermuda against French Guiana, said his team’s tactical approach would be a key factor in whether they advance.

“The French Guiana tie will be interesting,” said the striker. “There will be a tactical battle going on between the two coaches.

“It will definitely be a physical game and we would need to remain focused for the entire 90 minutes.

“I know Dominican Republic will also be a real test for us, but we know our strengths and will be looking to go through this group.

“I would say that I’m honoured to be the captain and leader for this great group of players.”

Danté Leverock, the Bermuda defender, believes the island will have to be at their very best to reach the third round of the competition.

“The boys are definitely excited to advance to the next round of the Caribbean Cup,” Leverock said.

“Having already played French Guiana we know what to expect and we fancy our chances of getting two good results and moving on to the third round.”

Leverock said he hoped that Bermuda’s overseas professionals such as Nahki Wells, of Huddersfield Town, Rai Simons, of Chesterfield, and Limerick goalkeeper Freddy Hall would be available for the matches.

“But both will be tough games and we will have to be at our best as a team,” Leverock said. “Hopefully we have the best players available to help us advance.”

Leverock, 23, played his first game of the season in Harrisburg City Islanders’ 2-1 defeat away to Charlotte Independence in the United Soccer Leagues last weekend.

Islanders also lost their opening game of the season 3-1 away to Richmond Kickers, a game Leverock missed because of international duty.

Islanders are away to Pittsburgh Riverhounds tomorrow.

• The Dandy Town Under-14 team will look to take another trophy to St John’s Field when they meet Richmond Harriers in today’s Appleby Knockout final at the National Sports Centre at 5.30pm.

Town are this season’s Premier Division champions and are looking to add the Knockout Cup to their collection.

The Knockout Cup Under-16 final will start at 7.30pm at the National Stadium, with PHC Zebras taking on Devonshire Colts as they bid to retain the title they won last year.

Zebras are also this season’s Under-16 league champions while Colts won last year’s under-14 final.

Admission to the matches is free.