Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe among teams kicking off CONCACAF Nations League B

The 2023–24 CONCACAF Nations League begins its new edition, and the action in League B features two first encounters with Sint Maarten hosting Saint Lucia and Saint Kitts and Nevis facing Guadeloupe, according to CONCACAF.

It said Sint Maarten and Saint Lucia face off for the first time ever at the Stadion Rignaal Jean Francisca in Willemstad, Curaçao.

CONCACAF said Gerwin Lake was the top scorer across the three leagues in the past edition “and will look to continue being a menace for opposing defenses.

“The 27-year-old winger will be a handful in goal creation as well as Sint Maarten’s leading assist man with three,” CONCACAF said.

It said Saint Lucia make its League B return after being relegated in the inaugural edition and earning promotion.

CONCACAF said Kurt Frederick will be the name to circle in the Saint Lucia attack with four goals followed by Andrus Remy and Gregson President, each with two in the last edition.

These two sides feature goalkeeping squads with over 30 saves. Gikay Croes (29) and Vino Barclett (25) have carried that responsibility and proven their agility when called upon, CONCACAF said.

For only the third ever encounter, but first in CNL play, it said Saint Kitts and Nevis meets Guadeloupe at the SKNFA Technical Centre in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

“The historical series is tied with each side taking a victory over the other,” CONCACAF said. “Both are coming off gaining important experience in the 2023 Gold Cup, performances that they hope to build on in this CNL tournament.”

Saint Kitts and Nevis returns to League B after going 3-1-0 in League C with Keithroy Freeman leading the way in goals, CONCACAF said.

For Guadeloupe, it said Thierry Ambrose (3) led in CNL scoring and had a goal in a 2-2 Gold Cup tie with Canada, while Matthias Phaeton shined with a brace in the continental championship over the summer.