Pedro Bravo's goal in first-half stoppage time gave Cuba the victory over Antigua and Barbuda and kept them in position to advance to the next round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The Artemisa-born defensive midfielder took several shots on goal during that time, until he found his fortune on a corner kick, finishing off a cross from Diego Catasus with the "skill" he has on his right foot with the inside edge of the ball.

The sharp shot into the corner gave the Cubans the lead, and they deserved to go into the locker room with at least a goal, against a clearly inferior team like the home team.

"It was a very important goal for me; it's the first I've scored for the national team, and it helped us get the three points. "I was focused on taking advantage of the opportunity if I had it, and I was able to do so," "Cueto" Bravo told JIT, and thanked coach Yunielys Castillo for his confidence in calling him up and assigning him a starting position.

The match proved to be a mere formality for the Leones del Caribe against a team that, while defending neatly from a five-man defensive line, barely made any incursions into the opposing box.

Perhaps the single goal seems a bit low, considering the team's extensive possession and all the other aspects of the game, but there was no clarity in finishing, and perhaps a lack of clarity in breaking through the defensive line with a pass.

The insistent attacks down the wing didn't result in better chances, although in the second half there were some that deserved to go in, such as William Pozo's shot that hit the crossbar.

"I'm satisfied with the three points, but not entirely happy, because we could have scored a few more goals here," acknowledged coach Castillo.

"We had possession of the ball, we managed the tempo as planned, we dominated the match, but we didn't concede any goals. It's been a task that has been pending for years in our football, and we're working on it," stated the Sancti Spiritus native.

He also praised the defensive work and acknowledged his team's dedication under the blazing sun and the intense heat that battered the city's ABFA Technical Center.

The team under his command reached six points, and a draw at home against Bermuda would be enough to secure a place in the next round of the tournament.

This Saturday, the team will travel to Santiago de Cuba, the venue for the match on Tuesday, June 10, at 4:00 p.m. at the Antonio Maceo Stadium.