Gwada Boys Aim High for the 2025 Gold Cup
Guadeloupe's football team, the Gwada Boys, prepares for their ambitious Gold Cup 2025 campaign, facing challenges and aiming for greater recognition.
Key Points
- • Guadeloupe competes in the Gold Cup as a member of Concacaf.
- • The team aims to advance beyond the group stage, building on historical successes.
- • Challenges include a limited budget and player release issues from clubs.
- • The squad blends European talent with local players to enhance competitiveness.
The Guadeloupe national football team, known as the Gwada Boys, is gearing up for the 2025 Gold Cup, a prestigious tournament comparable to the UEFA Euro for North America and the Caribbean. Being a French department, Guadeloupe is a member of Concacaf and has the opportunity to compete in continental competitions since 1983, despite not qualifying for global events such as the World Cup.
Historically, Guadeloupe reached the semi-finals in 2007 and the quarter-finals in 2009. However, in recent editions, they have encountered challenges in advancing beyond the group stage. As they prepare for the Gold Cup, the team expresses a strong ambition to improve their standing. Captain Anthony Baron and striker Vikash Tillé made it clear that their goal is to elevate Guadeloupe's profile in football, stating, "We want Guadeloupe to be at the top."
Coach Jocelyn Angloma, a former professional player, emphasized the significance of consistency, referencing their participation in previous Gold Cups in 2021, 2023, and now 2025. Nonetheless, the team faces hurdles, including a limited budget and the challenge of securing player availability, as clubs often hesitate to release them for national duties due to Guadeloupe’s non-FIFA status.
The roster for the upcoming tournament includes 19 players from European clubs and local talent, reflecting a blend of experience and regional skill. Angloma is hopeful that their participation in the tournament will enhance international recognition and attract more future players to Guadeloupean football.