Kyle Lightbourne insists there will be no plans to “shut up shop” when Bermuda renew acquaintances with French Guiana in the second round of the Caribbean Cup in June.
Bermuda advanced from the preliminary round after finishing as runners-up on goal difference behind French Guiana, who they defeated 2-1 at the National Stadium last month.
Last week’s second-round draw also pitted Bermuda against Dominican Republic, who topped their group on goal difference after losing 2-1 away to Curaçao before a 2-0 victory over Barbados.
With goal difference proving crucial in deciding which teams qualified for the next round, Lightbourne, Bermuda’s assistant coach, believes it is important they adopt an aggressive approach in their opening group-four game against French Guiana.
“Playing in what’s essentially a three-team tournament you have to be aggressive and every goal counts,” Lightbourne said.
“That’s why we really pushed for the goal down in Cuba in the opening game [a 2-1 win for the home side]. They ended up going out on goal difference and that just shows how important it is.”
Lightbourne said he was impressed with French Guiana’s possession football and has no doubt they will be a far tougher prospect in their own backyard.
“My first impression of the draw was ‘why French Guiana again?’, but I guess we have to play someone,” Lightbourne said.
“We’re going to have our work cut out because I thought they were an excellent team, moved the ball well and caused us one or two problems.
“We managed to get the result that was required, but they’re going to be in their own backyard this time. We will definitely go with a game plan and give it our best.”
Bermuda take on French Guiana on June 1 at the Stade Municipal Dr Edmard Lama in Cayenne before returning to the island to face Dominican Republic at the National Stadium three days later.
Lightbourne believes it is to Bermuda’s advantage to play their second and final group match in front of their own supporters.
“I’m happy we’re playing the second game at home as it gives you a better chance of qualifying,” he said.
“It’s a crucial first game, a long way to travel, and then we come back and play in Bermuda a few days later so it’s going be tough for the boys.”
Lightbourne was the head coach when Bermuda previously faced Dominican Republic in a Caribbean Cup tie in 2006, a 3-1 home win for his team thanks to goals by Aljame Zuill, Darius Cox and Kwame Steede.
Despite Dominican Republic being 18 places above Bermuda in the Fifa world rankings in 151st position, Lightbourne feels confident of a Bermuda victory on home soil.
“All of the Caribbean nations are improving their programmes and Fifa has put a lot of money into grass-roots football in the region,” he added.
“Everyone else is improving and that’s why Bermuda can’t afford to stand still. We will be looking to get some footage of their [Dominican Republic] games from the first round and I’m sure they will look to get some footage of our games.
“On paper, where we know the game is not played, you would think we should be able to get a result against them.”
Jonté Smith, the Bermuda striker, has backed Bermuda to top the group and believes they are capable of earning maximum points.
“Playing French Guiana will be different this time but at least we know all about them now,” said Smith, who scored against Cuba in the previous round.
“We’re looking at getting six points from these two games, especially having beaten French Guiana already, albeit in a tough, feisty game.
“If we get our heads down and work hard I see no reason why we can’t win both games.”
The second round of the competition will feature five groups, with the winners and four best runners-up advancing to the third round to be held from October 3 to 9. Jamaica, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago have received a bye to the third round.
