Posted on October 29, 2012

LES ABYMES, Guadeloupe – The Dominican Republic booked its first trip to the Caribbean Cup finals in 21 years with a 3-1 Group 7 win over Puerto Rico on Saturday.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Martinique reached the finals after playing Guadeloupe to a 3-3 draw.

The Dominicans finished atop the group with seven points, two ahead of Martinque. Guadeloupe, which reached the finals the past three times, was eliminated with four points.

The Dominican Republic will join defending two-time champion Jamaica, and runners-up from second-round Group s 6 and 8 in Group A of the Caribbean Cup finals in December in Antigua & Barbuda.

Martinique will join host Antigua and winners of Groups 6 and 8 in Group B.

Dominican Republic 3, Puerto Rico 1

Jonathan Fana recorded a brace for the Dominicans, who last reached the finals in 1991.

Fana, who tallied twice in a 2-0 victory over Guadeloupe Tuesday, connected in the 19th and 70th minutes. Marco Velez pulled Puerto Rico within one in the 80th inute but Gilberto Ulloa gave the Dominican Republic some breathing room six minutes later.

Martinique 3, Guadeloupe 3

Vladimir Pascal struck for the second successive match in the 74th minute to knot things up for Guadeloupe, which needed a victory to advance. Larry Clavier boosted the Gwada Boys into a 13th-minute advantage, After goals by Martinique’s Gael Germany and Steeve Gustan, Clavier connected yet again in the 33rd minute for a 2-2 halftime deadlock.

Gustan lifted Martinique into a 3-2 edge before Pascal tied it yet again.

Jonathan Fana has scored four goals in his last two games for the Dominican Republic. Andy Mead/YCJ

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Categories: Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Gold Cup, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico
Tags: Caribbean Cup

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