Antigua and Barbuda have qualified for the Concacaf Under-20 Championships after an 89th-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory over the Dominican Republic in their final Group C qualifier in Costa Rica.

Brandon Satchell headed home a corner from captain Keyonte George in the closing stages to seal the win at the Costa Rica Federation Field #1, sparking celebrations among players and staff.

The result means Antigua and Barbuda finish top of their group with four wins from four matches and 12 points. Only the group winners advanced to the championship.

The Dominican Republic, who were also unbeaten before Tuesday’s encounter, would have progressed on goal difference with a draw, making it a decisive contest.

Antigua and Barbuda created several chances throughout the match but had to wait until late on for the breakthrough.

They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over St Lucia, followed by a 2-0 victory against the British Virgin Islands and another 1-0 triumph over Dominica.

The 12-team Concacaf Under-20 Championship is scheduled to take place from 25 July to 9 August 2026. It will also act as the region’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Men’s Under-20 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.