The Grenada Senior Women’s National Team (SWNT) delivered a strong, spirited performance against regional powerhouse Costa Rica on Saturday night, ending with a narrow 2–1 defeat at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium.
Despite the result, the match demonstrated Grenada’s growing competitiveness and resilience at the international level.
Grenada took the lead in the 32nd minute through a well-worked goal from defender Naomi Bedeau, who capitalised on a set-piece to give the home side an early advantage. Costa Rica responded just before halftime, equalising at 45+2’ through Priscila Chinchilla, shifting momentum into the break. In the second half, the visitors secured the win with a goal in the 61st minute by Melissa Herrera.
From the opening whistle, Grenada displayed urgency, cohesive defensive organisation, and a hunger to compete. Under head coach Melanie Thomas the team showed tactical discipline, with repeated challenges and transitions that forced Costa Rica to stay alert throughout the match.
Costa Rica entered the match among the top-ranked women’s national teams in Concacaf, according to the latest confederation standings. The 2025/26 CONCACAF W Qualifiers sees Grenada competing in Group C, alongside Costa Rica, Guatemala, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
Though the result did not favour team Grenada, this performance reinforced the SWNT’s growing status as a competitive side in the region, capable of scoring and pushing established teams to the limit.
“I am proud of how the girls fought tonight, they showed heart, discipline, and belief from first minute to last whistle,” said Marlon Glean, President, GFA. “This match is another important milestone in our commitment to strengthening women’s football in Grenada,” President Glean continued.
Coach Melanie Thomas echoed that sentiment, expressing confidence in the team’s progress: “We knew Costa Rica would be a tough opponent, but our players responded with courage and unity. We are building a team that can compete, and tonight proved we are on the right track.”
Grenada’s Senior Women’s National Team showed promising signs, scoring against a strong regional opponent, defending with conviction, and executing tactics under pressure. The GFA views this match as a building block for future competitions and remains committed to providing continued support, development, and opportunities for the women’s national program.
Fans and stakeholders are encouraged to stay behind the team as the qualifiers progress. With each match, Grenada’s women are writing a new chapter, one defined by resilience, ambition, and unwavering national pride.
GFA
