PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Head Coach Stephen Hart has described missing out on the historic Copa America Centenario as “a bitter pill to swallow”, but said his side had failed to make the most of their chances during Friday’s play-off in Panama City.

An 86th-minute strike from Pascal Millien condemned T&T to a 1-0 defeat to Haiti in a contest where they enjoyed long periods of domination at the at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez.

“We lacked that sort of conviction, we did not penetrate and we didn’t move the ball fast enough,” Hart lamented.

“Even though we did have some chances, it still was not enough to put Haiti under pressure. And then to lose on a goal of that nature, it is a very bitter pill to swallow. We let down the country tonight.”

He added: “Every game, regardless of your opponent, if you don’t do what you are supposed to do in terms of taking charge of the game, managing the game and taking care of the ball, and you let the other team begin to get some confidence, anything can happen, especially if you don’t score when you get your opportunities.

“No team dominates for 90 minutes, and in your period of domination you have to take your chances because you know the other team is going to get at least one or two chances.”

The defeat saw T&T miss out in playing in the historic Copa America Centenario which, for the first time, brings together the best of CONCACAF to clash with all the top sides from South America.

Haiti and Panama, who beat Cuba 4-0 in the other play-off on Friday, will now join reigning Gold Cup champions Mexico, hosts United States, Central American Cup champions Costa Rica and reigning Caribbean champions Jamaica Reggae Boys for the June 3-26 event.

Powerhouses Brazil and Argentina headline the 10 South American sides.

Hart said with the disappointment of missing out on Copa, the team now needed to switch their attention to the fourth round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers which are set to resume in March.

“This is a one-off opportunity and this is the ‘sixth’ time we have had the opportunity to qualify for this tournament, but we have not and that is the reality of it,” he pointed out.

“Now it’s a matter of clean sheet and fighting in March to get six points (against St Vincent/Grenadines).”

T&T are second in Group C on four points after beating Guatemala and drawing with United States last November.