MIAMI, Florida – Top honors in the Caribbean region are at stake in the Final of the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup, which begins on Thursday night in the first leg between Robinhood of Suriname and Jamaican club Cavalier at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo, Suriname.
It has been a long journey for both teams, but ones that have been quite successful. Robinhood captured a first-place finish in Group B and then got a last-minute goal in second half stoppage time to force a penalty shootout in the semifinals against Moca of Dominican Republic.
Robinhood would go on to win in spot kicks to not only reach the Final, but also qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup for the first time since 1994.
One of the leading men for Robinhood is Shaquille Cairo, who tallied five goals during the group stage and will be hungry to return to the field after missing the semifinal second leg due to suspension.
Helping the cause is Jamilhio Rigters, who has scored two goals during the tournament.
6 matches to reach the #CaribbeanCup Final 💪
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) November 25, 2023
🇸🇷 SV Robinhood's journey pic.twitter.com/nF65JFoYnr
Cavalier emerged as winners of Group A with a sparkling 3W-1D-0L mark and scored 11 goals in that span. They then followed that up with a commanding 5-0 aggregate win over fellow Jamaican side Harbour View in the semifinals.
No doubt the star man has been Shaniel Thomas, who leads the tournament with eight goals scored. Jalmaro Calvin, with three goals, has complemented the scoring and gives Cavalier a dynamic one-two punch.
Cavalier’s exploits in the Caribbean Cup have yielded their first ever qualification for the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Cavalier FC's journey so far 💪 #CaribbeanCup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/RWodXX6yti
— Concacaf Champions Cup (@TheChampions) November 25, 2023
Now, both clubs will be aiming for a strong start in their quest to be kings of the Caribbean.