Club Franciscain tops Group D to advance to the 2025 CFU Club Shield semifinal round
COUVA, Trinidad (July 29, 2025)—Group D leaders Club Franciscain of Martinique defeated Scholars International FC of the Cayman Islands 1-0 on Tuesday to book their spot in the semifinal round of the 2025 CFU Club Shield.
They will face Weymouth Wales of Barbados on Friday, while Scholars will make their way home.
Playing at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Club Franciscain had the lion’s share of possession from the outset, forcing Scholars to drop into mid-block very early.
The first goal attempt came in minute 13 via Johnny Marajo, but his shot went over the bar. Moments later, Marajo got on the end of a Jeremy Stephane cross, but Jermaine Brown was well-positioned to save at the near post.
Scholars International managed to create a couple of chances against the run of play. Jordan Bonilla Ramirez almost capitalized on a defensive blunder in the 25th minute, but his lobbed attempt went wide of the mark. Christopher Browne then bullied his way past his marker, but his shot was blocked for a corner kick.
In the 35th minute, Attelly Olivier neatly collected a long ball over the top, but shot wide.
The game meandered along to the halftime interval, but Browne was alert enough to produce a kick save at his near post, and Marajo's lobbed attempt in first-half stoppage time bounced over the crossbar.
The teams went into the interval tied 0-0
The opening goal came in the 58th minute. Olivier timed his run to the back post to perfection to easily tap in from close range after a Mathis Priam square pass.
Christof Jougon ought to have doubled the lead less than a minute later, but the skipper hit over the crossbar from inside the area after a delightful cross from Priam.
Club Franciscain continued to dominate possession, and substitute Clervil Philippe looked to put Scholars International FC under pressure with powerful runs in behind. Axel found some space in the area in the 80th minute, but couldn’t convert after a first-time cross by Sebastien Lapel.
Lapel was soon to get in on the action, but he shot straight to the waiting arms of substitute Robert Levy after getting in behind the Scholars International defence.
Levy was again called into action soon after and produced a brilliant kick save to keep Marajo out in injury time.
At the final whistle, the group winners were 2-1 ahead, having secured a superior goal difference over AC Port of Spain, with whom they tied for six points, to advance to the next round.