The Tribune

THE Bahamas' senior men's national football team is expected to continue play in the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League next week.

The Bahamas will host Antigua and Barbuda on Friday, October 12 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium with free admission for all patrons.

Both teams are searching for their first win during the qualification for the Nations League and 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup.

In the opening round, the Bahamas lost 4-0 to Belize and Antigua and Barbuda were blanked by St Lucia 3-0.

The Bahamas will host their second game of qualification on November 18 when they take on Anguilla. The Bahamas will return to the road for the final match of the qualification round against Dominica at Windsor Stadium.

Team Bahamas will include Keepers: Michael Butler, Mario Johnson, Valin Bodie; Defenders: Johnathon Miller, Troy Pinder, Isiah Collie, Lesly StFleur, Jaelin Williams, Raymourne Sturrup; Midfielders: Duane Beneby, Christopher Rahming, Jordan Farquarson, Marcel Joseph, Rejohn Ene and Forwards: Ricardo mcPhee, Ethan Willie, Chadwick Russell, Terry Delancy.

The CONCACAF League of Nations is a new national team competition platform designed to maximise the quality, quantity and frequency of competitive matches for all 41 CONCACAF member associations.

The tournament comes after a year-long development and consultation process involving the member associations and key stakeholders.

The league features competition for titles and performance prizes, and will include promotion and relegation within the system of three leagues.

The Confederation's teams will also contend via the League of Nations structure for the right to play in international championships such as the Gold Cup. Additionally, the League of Nations will inform a CONCACAF ranking system that will be used as the basis for future World Cup qualifying seeding.

"This is a watershed moment for CONCACAF. By focusing on football to provide all our teams with year-round, quality competition, the League of Nations platform means everyone wins," said CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani.

"This new tournament is highly beneficial to all our member associations and fans everywhere since it provides significant opportunities to play important competitive matches with increased regularity throughout the year."

Montagliani recently visited the Bahamas, met with the local soccer community, government officials and conducted a site visit of the TAR stadium ahead of next week's match.