Bermuda suffered a 5-0 defeat against Cuba in a friendly match at the Estadio Pedro Marrero in Havana yesterday.

Kyle Lightbourne’s side, who drew 2-2 in a behind-closed-doors practice match against a Cuba select team on Monday, made the trip to the Caribbean to prepare for final Concacaf Nations League qualifier against Dominican Republic next month.

Lightbourne fielded almost a whole new team from the island’s previous competitive match, a Nations League qualifier against El Salvador, in November.

Overseas professionals Danté Leverock, the Bermuda captain, Nahki Wells, Reggie Lambe and Jonté Smith were not available as the friendly was not played in a Fifa international window.

Youngsters Jahkari Furbert, Chikosi Basden, Kacy Butterfield, Paul Douglas and Tevahn Tyrell were all handed starting roles alongside Cecoy Robinson, who captained the side, and the experienced Lejaun Simmons, Jaylon Bather, William White and goalkeeper Jahquil Hill.

Lightbourne’s side trailed 3-0 at the interval before conceding two more goals in the second half.

Despite the heavy loss, Lightbourne found some positives in the performance and pointed out that Cuba made several changes from the practice match.

“They made about nine changes from the [practice] game and played their full strength team,” Lightbourne said.

“They scored after about 19 minutes, then after about 30 minutes and a penalty just before half-time. The first half was disappointing; in the second half we came out and played a lot better.

“The temperature was 90 degrees, which was hard dealing with. I said to the players at half-time not to feel sorry for yourselves, that we have to play in the conditions, even though they had nine fresh players for the match.

“We got a lot out of being down here; a lot of the guys are on the bubble of making the team.

“We came down here to get a few answers [to selection questions] and that was the main thing.

Bermuda’s match against Dominican Republic on March 24 has great significance as Lightbourne’s side could qualify for the Gold Cup for the first time. Bermuda are seventh in the Nations League standings with two wins from three group matches.