It's business time for Trinidad and Tobago's senior football players, who need a win over Cuba tonight to stay in League A of the 2023-2024 CONCACAF Nations League.

The Soca Warriors will face the Cubans for the second time in four days, following a 2-2 draw in Santiago, Cuba, last Thursday. Tonight's game will take place at Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, with kick-off set for 9:00 p.m

T&T have drawn their last two CNL games; French Guiana (0-0) and Cuba (2-2) opened their seasons after a 4-0 away defeat against Honduras. T&T are in fifth place and in the relegation zone with two points, while French Guiana has just one point. Fourth-placed Cuba (three points) is just above them with three draws; against Jamaica (0:0), Nicaragua (1:1) and T&T (2:2).

Interim coach Derek King says players and staff understand the importance of a win tonight. T&T and Cuba are effectively in the same boat and victory will guarantee one a spot in League A for the 2025-2026 CNL.

“Three points are important for us to stay in the A-League,” said King. “I think the boys know it.” Midfielder Andre Rampersad also believes they need to develop further after Thursday's 2-2 draw.

“When I look back at the game in Cuba, I think we did a lot of good,” Rampersad said. “(But) I think we need to be more clinical in the final third and be more solid defensively. I think the preparation since then has been positive. Boys know how important the game is,” he added. “We will try everything to get the three points.”

King has struggled with a number of injuries and has called up two players to the squad, including 1976 Tobago FC Phoenix's Adriel George, who previously played under former head coach Angus Eve at Soca Warriors.

King also hinted at making “changes” to his system. “I think we only get the (scoring) chances to convert them,” King noted. “We also have to defend well. I think if we defend well, create chances and take advantage of our chances, I think we will be victorious.”

“At international level, one mistake costs the game and I think defensively we weren't that solid,” said King. “We sat there and analyzed the game as a team and I think the players know exactly what it takes and what it takes now to get the three points.”

King has no influence on the kick-off time, which is controlled by CONACACF and television networks. But he wants Tobagonians to fill the stands of the venue, the “12th. Man” and give the Soca Warriors the support they need.

“We are looking for 12th Man support from our supporters,” King flattered. “That’s why it’s very important that you all come and support the team. That will drive us too.”

And Rampersad added: “The boys are confident and with the support of the 12th man I think we will get it over the finish line.”

LOCATION: Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago.

COVERED STANDS: Adults $150; Children ($75)

UNCOVERED: Adults $100; Children $50

TICKET EVENTS:

TOBAGO: Dwight Yorke Stadium; Oogy Wawa – in the airport; Jade Monkey – Crown Peak; Cache – Lowlands Mall; Bago Limers – Crown Point; Barcode – Scarborough; Pablo's Supermarket – Argyle; Sportfanatixx – Patience Hill.

TRINIDAD: Caché – nationwide; Fan Zone – MovieTowne & Price Plaza; Woodford Cafe – Price Plaza, Chaguanas; Phats – Arima; TTFA headquarters (the home of football), Couva; Bobby's Bar – Curepe; Fitts Street Market – Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook.