BASSETERRE — St. Kitts and Nevis Women suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Curaçao Women after a late goal in stoppage time sealed the result in a tense Caribbean women’s football clash on Friday in their latest Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers match.
Sherema Blake gave the hosts a dream start in the first minute, slotting home a left-footed strike from the centre of the box to make it 1-0. St. Kitts and Nevis held the lead through a physical and injury-hit first half, despite multiple delays and several yellow cards issued to both sides.
Curaçao fought back strongly after the interval. Shi-jona Martina levelled the score in the 58th minute with a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box that found the bottom right corner.
The visitors continued to press, creating several chances, but it was Amazia Burnet who delivered the decisive blow in the 91st minute. Burnet struck a right-footed effort from outside the box, assisted by Martina, sending the ball into the bottom left corner for a 2-1 lead that Curaçao defended until the final whistle.
The match was marked by frequent stoppages, with injuries to players including Craivecia Sutton, Sherema Blake, Myesha Rawlins and Naychelene Nisia forcing multiple delays. Both teams made late substitutions in an attempt to shift momentum, including St. Kitts and Nevis bringing on Takia Carty and Omeara Delaney, while Curaçao introduced Raengelly Keller.
Yellow cards were shown to Amazia Burnet, Ludmarie Flaneur, Christi-Anne Mills, Iyanla Bailey-Williams and Naychelene Nisia, reflecting the competitive and sometimes fractious nature of the contest.
Despite a spirited performance and several near-misses from long-range efforts by players like Kaylee Bennett and Ella Richardson, St. Kitts and Nevis could not find an equaliser in the closing stages.
The loss leaves local fans disappointed after an encouraging opening goal, but highlights the growing competitiveness in regional women’s football. Curaçao’s late resilience proved the difference in a match that kept spectators on edge until the end.