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Bermuda set to host Digicel Caribbean Cup play-offs (Group J) 3rd place Team

Bermuda?s bid to qualify for next January?s final round of the Digicel Caribbean Cup in Trinidad and Tobago received an enormous shot in the arm yesterday with news the Island could play host to a triangular play -off involving the third-placed finishers from the competition?s second round next month at the National Sports Centre (NSC).

It is understood Bermuda Football Association (BFA), local football?s governing body, is currently trying to arrange hotel accommodation for incoming teams and obtain use of the Island?s premier sporting facility for next month?s triangular play-off that will determine the eighth and final spot in the final round of the Digicel Caribbean Cup alongside the six group qualifiers and hosts Trinidad and Tobago next January.

Bermuda and Haiti finished third among Group G and Group I respectively, and now await the eventual third placed team from Group H consisting of Guadeloupe, Guyana, Dominican Republic and Antigua and Barbuda that will be decided tonight in Guyana.

BFA officials declined to comment on the matter yesterday, but did promise to make a statement ?later? this week.

Bermuda finished third in Group G in the Caribbean last week after losing 3-0 to St. Vincent, defeating Bahamas 4-0 and then drawing 1-1 against host country Barbados at the National Stadium in Waterford, St. Michael?s.

Meanwhile, national coach Kyle Lightbourne says hosting next month?s play-off on local soil can only enhance the team?s chances of qualifying for the final round.

?This is something we are hoping for because everybody knows how the pitch (at the NSC) plays. It?s even and very fast,? Lightbourne said.

?This would certainly be a welcome boost for us to play here. I think we would have a more vocal crowd in Bermuda and this would certainly help us qualify for the finals.?

The last occasion when throngs came out to support the national football team at the NSC was during the 2004 World Cup qualifying second round home-and-away series with El Salvador.

?That was a fantastic atmosphere,? Lightbourne added. ?And, without a doubt, having the home field advantage and a good crowd behind us will only increase our chances of qualifying for the Digicel Cup finals.?