Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Tied at 1-1 after regular time, Saint Kitts and Nevis triumphed over French Guiana 4-2 in a penalty shootout to end the 2023 Gold Cup Prelims.

Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the 41st minute, Tiquanny Williams beat the defense to a loose ball from a deflected shot by Jacob Hazel off the goalkeeper Leon and struck it to the back of the net, opening the score at 1-0.

Nevertheless, Les Yana Dokos took the opportunity in the 53rd minute on a handball inside the box that Arnold Abelinti converted the penalty into the equalizer at 1-1.

Both teams sought a winning goal, but their efforts fell short, leading the match into a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the group stage.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Goalkeeper Julani Archibald emerged as a hero with a crucial save. Waiting for the dream moment, He pumped up the late substitute Mervin Lewis and asked him to be the "Hero" as he stepped up to take the penalty.

And Lewis with calmed sealed the victory with an unstoppable shot into the top left corner during the fourth round.

This historic win grants Saint Kitts and Nevis their first-ever appearance in the Gold Cup group stage.

They joined Group A alongside the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.

Saint Kitts and Nevis will play Trinidad and Tobago at the DRV PNK Stadium on June 25 at 3:30 p.m.

2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, St. Kitts and Nevis, French Guiana, Tiquanny Williams, Arnold Abelinti, Jacob Hazel, Donovan Leon, Julani Archibald, Mervin Lewis, Gasner Delvarin Jr., Sports Action Rundown