SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS, Dominican Republic, CMC—Cibao FC secured its place in the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup Final following a narrow 1-0 victory over Haitian club Real Hope FA in the second leg of their semifinal showdown here Thursday at Cibao FC Stadium.
The win pushed Cibao to a 4-2 aggregate triumph, ensuring the Dominican side’s advancement to the prestigious 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The decisive goal came early when Rivaldo Correa capitalized in the 10th minute, firing home from inside the box to give Cibao FC a lead that would prove impossible for Real Hope.
Despite an aggressive counter from Real Hope just minutes later, goalkeeper Miguel Lloyd was unshakable. Clifford Louis Jean tested Lloyd from long range in the 14th minute, but the veteran keeper was up to the challenge, denying the visitors a much-needed equalizer.
Honest Hope continued to press, with Jeudy Jhonson attempting a pivotal pass to Angelo Exilus in the 29th minute, but Lloyd cut off the play to maintain Cibao’s advantage.
The hosts nearly doubled their lead in the 49th minute when Ernesto Trinidad unleashed a powerful shot, only to be denied by Real Hope’s keeper, Gooly Elien.
Exilus, Real Hope’s standout from the first leg, tried to make his mark again in the 80th minute, sending an attempt just wide of the left post.
Lloyd capped off his stellar performance by deflecting a last-ditch effort in stoppage time as Elison Duce tried to set up Exilus, securing his clean sheet and Cibao’s victory.
With the win, Cibao FC advances to face Jamaican side Cavalier FC in the Caribbean Cup Final and confirms its slot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
Meanwhile, Real Hope FA will battle Moca FC in the third-place series for the final Champions Cup berth from the Caribbean region.
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