Cabinet has congratulated Antigua and Barbuda’s national Under-20 football team after the young Benna Boys secured qualification for the upcoming CONCACAF Under-20 Championship.

Officials said the team earned its place in the regional tournament following a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Dominican Republic during the qualifying competition.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the win came from a late goal that sealed Antigua and Barbuda’s advancement.

“The team sealed its advancement with a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Dominican Republic, courtesy of an 89th-minute header by Brandon Satchell,” Merchant said during the Cabinet briefing.

The result saw Antigua and Barbuda finish atop Group C in the regional qualifiers, securing a spot among the region’s top youth teams.

Merchant said Cabinet praised the players, coaching staff and the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association for their work in developing youth football.

“Cabinet commended them, praised the players, coaching staff and the Football Association for their dedication, discipline and teamwork,” he said.

Officials said the team’s performance reflects growing investment in youth sports development programmes across the country.

Merchant noted that several members of the Under-20 squad are participants in development programmes supported by the government.

The CONCACAF Under-20 Championship serves as a key platform for young players across the region and is often seen as a pathway for emerging football talent to progress to higher levels of international competition.