Proud of the Benna Boyz

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Ian 'Magic' Hughes

Friday, 08 June 2012 23:04

By Ian Magic Hughes

For all those who thought that the United States with its 311 million people would run all over Antigua & Barbuda with its 86 thousand ‘inhabitants’ in the FIFA World Cup semis, “Tek dat!”
The 3-1 score line victory by the United States has to be a disappointing result for the proud nation of the United States.

Leading 2-0 at halftime, the US must have envisioned a more dominating victory - but that was not to be, due to the true grit of the Benna Boyz of Antigua & Barbuda.

Keeper Molvin James was superb with some eight saves, at least two described as ‘brilliant’ by the ESPN commentators who thought that ‘Antigua & Barbuda dominated the latter stages of the game.’

If anyone doubted the heart of the Antigua & Barbuda team, a closer look at this game should show that the future is bright once the team builds from this performance.

Both teams will play again in Antigua & Barbuda and obviously with the home crowd advantage, the Benna Boyz must be encouraged after this performance.

Coach Tom Curtis has shown that he has what it takes to prepare a team for the big stage.

Most likely a win would have been great, but when one takes into consideration the financial challenges that the Benna boyz faced just to prepare, one has to say “well done”.

The United States won the game but the rest of the group, Guatemala and Jamaica, must be taking notice.

The United States media may be buzzing with fear at this point in time, taking into consideration the matchup against Guatemala and Jamaica.

The Benna Boyz lost - but they were always in the game with a chance for at least a point.

That penalty at the end of first half could have knocked the fight out of most teams but the Benna Boys and coach Tom Curtis showed that they were battle ready.

Peter Byers’ goal that pulled the Benna Boyz to 1-2 gave the US fits, and there were certain signs of nervousness even from the ESPN commentators.

It was thought that the US would have worn down the more inexperienced Benna Boyz but the Antigua & Barbuda team showed metal and determination that should be highly commended.

This was no walkover by the United States like many might have expected and easily Byers could have had another, except for the brilliance of Tim Howard in goal for the US.

Coach Curtis, the entire coaching staff and the team should be commended for the performance in a game in which they were expected to be trampled.

In the Haiti game which the Benna Boyz won to get to the semis, Coach Curtis demonstrated a level of understanding that should be recognized.

He inserted Kerry “Arab” Skepple late in the game and in minutes the Parham striker delivered and Antigua & Barbuda was on its way to RIO.

At the Raymond James stadium in Tampa on Friday Curtis called on Byers like he did with Skepple and Byers delivered.



True, some more deft touches, better passes and patience on possession and the Benna Boyz might have left Tampa with at least a point.

In spite of that though, and with the US being the top team in the group, the home fans should be lining up for the game against Jamaica here at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium on Tuesday.

The world football fraternity will undoubtedly be talking about the resolve of the small tiny nation that is Antigua & Barbuda, home of one of the all time best cricketers the world has ever seen, Sir Vivian Richards.

So, ‘nuff respect to the Benna Boyz of Antigua & Barbuda: you have made me proud - and I’m sure many other Antiguans and Barbudans as well.

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