Martinique
How they qualified
They reached the Gold Cup as one of four runners-up in the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League A. Three draws, including a 1-1 result against Honduras, were enough to see off Trinidad and Tobago in Group C for a coveted second place and a ticket to the finals.
Tournament Record
Martinique first featured in the Gold Cup in 1993 when they managed a 2-2 draw with Canada. Nine years later, the country achieved its best result yet, reaching the last eight where they lost on penalties to Canada. This will be Martinique’s seventh participation in the tournament.
Star Man
Jean-Sylvain Babin
Babin has been a journeymen in European club football. He featured with success for Granada, Sporting Gijon and Maccabi Tel Aviv. At 34, the defender can bring experience and know how to a squad that is largely made up of home-based players.
Coach
Mario Bocaly
Born in Le Lamentin, Bocaly is truly a local man. From 2009 to 2016, he coached domestic clubs. Then, he was offered the national team role and Bocaly didn’t hesitate. He has been at the helm since 2017.
What can we expect
There won’t be a lack of motivation among ‘Les Matinino’: the French department island is only allowed to compete in regional competition, which means the Gold Cup represents the ultimate sporting challenge for the team. And Group B will indeed be daunting for the Martinicans, who face familiar foe Canada in their curtain raiser. Next up, it’s the United States. Jean-Sylvain Babin and Samuel Camille and forwards Patrick Burner, Emmanuel Riviere and Kevin Fortune bring international experience to the team, but it would be a huge feat and upset if Martinique were to progress from the group.
Schedule:
July 11: Canada (Kansas)
July 16: United States (Kansas)
July 18: Haiti (Frisco)
Squad
Goalkeepers: Loic Chauvet, Arnaud Hugues des Etages, Gilles Meslien
Defenders: Sebastein Cretinoir, Gerald Dondon, Yann Thimon, Jean-Sylvain Babain, Yordan Thimon, Samuel Camille, Junior Michalet
Midfielders: Daniel Herelle, Stephane Abaul, Karl Vitulin, Romario Barthelery, Norman Grelet, Tresident Isaac
Forwards: Christophe Jougon, Johnny Marajo, Gregory Pastel, Kevin Fortune, Emmanuel Riviere, Patrick Burner, Enrick Reuperne