Michael Findlay has made a bold declaration that Bermuda players are not afraid of Honduras, their opponents in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Flora Duffy Stadium tomorrow at 8pm.

Findlay’s side began their quest to qualify for a tournament to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States with a 1-1 away draw against Antigua & Barbuda on Wednesday.

While Honduras, who top group A with three points after beating Cuba 3-1 in Tegucigalpa on Thursday, are ranked seventh in Concacaf, the Bermuda coach, whose side are down at 21st in the region, believes it is their opponents who should be scared.

“I don’t think our players fear anybody, they’re looking forward to competing,’’ Findlay told The Royal Gazette.

“We’re playing in World Cup qualifying, if there is any fear to be had, or any concern to be had, it’s probable from the Honduras point of view.

“The expectation for Honduras is that they should beat Bermuda. Their fans will expect them to beat Bermuda and so, if anything, if there is any stress or pressure in a football match, it probable lies with Honduras.”

A delay in their flight from Miami, which saw the Bermudian team arrive home yesterday instead of Thursday, allowed them get a glimpse on television when Honduras took on Cuba.

“We were able to get almost the whole game,’’ Findlay said. “We've obviously done our analysis before, you’re dealing with the seventh-ranked team in Concacaf.

“They have an extensive pool of players, they’re all playing at a very high level of the game.

“Historically speaking, they’re a very competitive and success-driven group, they've been to World Cups before, they’re well-coached and managed by a very experienced man.

“This is an incredible challenge, we’re going to have an incredible test. We also have to know that it’s an opportunity to be brave and test ourselves at this level.

“If we are inspired to be part of the story at the upper end of the Concacaf region, we need to play teams like this and compete.

“That’s one thing I’m happy about. I think the character of this group is starting to gel, they’re revelling in the opportunity to play a team like this one.”

On the key elements for Bermuda to pick up the three points against difficult opponents, Findlay said that he is looking for a combative approach from the players.

“First and foremost it will take a fighting mentality,” he said. “The fighting for possession, the fighting for space, the fighting for the ball, those one-versus-one situations, that is the most important thing in any international football match.

“It’s going to take the use of our minds and the use of our understanding of what we want to do.

“We’re going to have to be patient, we’re going to have to be organised and clinical when we get those opportunities.

This is an opportunity to build on from what we had against Antigua & Barbuda where we were successful. We need to look at the chances that will be created, that we are successful.

“It’s all about being strategic and being mature, and understanding each and every ball. I have great confidence in the players. Since I’ve come in, this has been a process that is evolving slowly.

“We are seeing every time we get together, we've seen improvement on different levels and this is another opportunity to do that.”

Most of the players who were on duty on Wednesday are fit for tomorrow, with defender Harry Twite the only concern. The 18-year-old picked up a knock against Antigua, which saw him sit out last night’s training session at the match venue.

A decision was to be made last night if reinforcements are needed in defence, as Reece Jones Jr, who remained on the island receiving treatment, trained with the rest of the squad.

The 23-year-old was being considered as an option to partner veteran Danté Leverock in the heart of the Bermuda rearguard should Twite be ruled out.

“Harry Twite sustained an injury, he’s being evaluated and it will be a game-time decision,’’ the coach said.

“He actually finished the game. We were only made aware when the medical staff did their debriefing with all the players.

“Reece has been in treatment all week, we’ll see if he’s available for consideration. He’s got an upper-leg injury, he’s had it for a while.

“He’s been going through a period where we feel he’s improved, and got to a point where he’s ready to go and when he reaches a certain load, unfortunately, he strains it again.

“He’s had a significant time away from the pitch to try and address it; we’ll see where we’re at.”

Honduras were expected to arrive last night, with the two teams to hold their final training sessions at the stadium this evening.