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By Samuel Peters
The Antigua and Barbuda Benna Girls Under-14 team concluded their 2025 CFU Challenge Series campaign on a triumphant note, securing a riveting 3-2 victory over Turks and Caicos in a dramatic encounter. The see-saw battle featured multiple lead changes and provided an exciting finale to what had been a challenging tournament for the Benna Girls.
Coming into the match with renewed confidence following their hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda were determined to finish their tournament campaign on a high after suffering earlier defeats to Guyana and Anguilla.
The match began with early drama as Turks and Caicos took an unexpected lead through an unfortunate own goal by Jordyn Henriques, putting Antigua on the back foot from the opening exchanges. However, they showed character and continued to press forward, creating pressure on their opponents’ defence despite the early setback.
Antigua’s persistence paid dividends in the 33rd minute when captain Ketonya Skepple, perfectly positioned, was able to tap in a loose ball inside the six-yard box following a well-delivered free kick, bringing her team level and sending both sides into halftime tied at 1-1.
The second half continued the entertaining pattern as both teams traded goals in quick succession. Nafisa Quashie extended Antigua’s lead in the 36th minute with a well-placed shot that found its way past the outstretched arm of the Turks and Caicos goalkeeper, giving the Benna Girls their first advantage of the match. However, their lead was short-lived as Turks and Caicos equalized from the penalty spot in the 45th minute, with Medina converting the spot kick to level the score at 2-2.
The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Skepple once again rose to the occasion, producing a moment of individual brilliance that would ultimately decide the contest. The Antiguan skipper unleashed a powerful shot from a tight angle on the right side of the penalty area, finding the back of the net with her fifth goal of the tournament that delighted her teammates and coaching staff.
The goal capped off another outstanding individual performance from Skepple, who led by example throughout the tournament.
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