Head coach Dick Advocaat has named a refreshed 23-player Curaçao squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches. The 78-year-old Dutchman confirmed he will remain in charge until the end of July 2027, an extension meant to bring stability following the historic World Cup qualification.
The only new face in the group is 20-year-old AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Kiyani Zeggen. His inclusion is part of a squad that features five new players compared to the team active at the 2022 World Cup. Eight players from that World Cup tournament have not been selected this time: Trevor Doornbusch, Riechedly Bazoer, Deveron Fonville, Kevin Felida, Godfried Roemeratoe, Sontje Hansen, Gervane Kastaneer and Brandley Kuwas. The absence of these eight experienced internationals shows the fresh start Advocaat is aiming for.
Curaçao will play four matches in eleven days in League A, Group A of the Nations League. The run starts with an away game against Costa Rica on Thursday, September 24. Home fixtures against Nicaragua on September 27 and Trinidad and Tobago on October 1 follow, both at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. The final match is on October 4 away to Trinidad and Tobago again. These are the first official internationals since the World Cup, where Curaçao made historic qualification and earned a first World Cup point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador.
The team currently sits fourth in their World Cup qualifying group with one point from three games. Their last result was a 0-2 defeat to Ivory Coast on June 25, a match that exposed a lack of scoring prowess. The upcoming Nations League fixtures offer an immediate chance for recovery and points in a new tournament context. The full standings overview is available online.
Alongside Zeggen, the squad includes goalkeeper Tyrick Bodak of Vitesse and Eloy Room of Miami FC. The defence consists of Joshua Brenet, Jurich Carolina, Roshon van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Juriën Gaari, Armando Obispo and Shurandy Sambo. The midfield call-ups are Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Tahith Chong, Livano Comenencia, Ar'Jany Martha, Tyrese Noslin and Nicky Souren. The forward line is made up of Jeremy Antonisse, Kenji Gorré, Nigel Thomas, Jürgen Locadia, Jearl Margaritha and Jordi Paulina.
The team continues to build for the future under Advocaat, with an eye on upcoming tournaments. The coach emphasized the importance of these Nations League matches as a stepping stone for further development. The complete squad list and upcoming fixtures are available on the site.
This story first appeared at Curacao.nu
