MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Managua FC of Nicaragua will begin its first ever journey in Concacaf club competition with a clash against Concacaf stalwarts Motagua of Honduras on Tuesday night in the first leg of the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf League Round of 16 at the Nicaraguan National Football Stadium in Managua.
The Pinolero outfit earned the 2018 Apertura title in Nicaragua and will be looking to show the rest of the region that it has the football to match one of Central America’s best.
Leading the way for Managua is Carlos Felix, who is off to a quick start in the 2019 Apertura with three goals in three matches.
Motagua is no stranger to the bright lights of Concacaf play, with four Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League appearances under its belt and a previous participation in the SCL in 2018.
With the always dangerous Roberto Moreira and Juan Pablo Montes, Motagua boasts an attack that strikes fear in any defense and will require the best of the Managua back line on Tuesday night.
Managua FC notable players
Marel Alvarez (DEF, HON) Christiano Roberto Fernandes , team Captain (MED, BRA) Rodolfo Forbes (MED, PAN) (DEL, Carlos Felix MEX) leads team in league goals with 3. Nahún Peralta, has score dan SCL goal previously with Real Esteli against CD Aguila.
In 2015-16 SCCL, FC Motagua faced Nicaraguan side Real Esteli in Group E in what was the most recent meeting between clubs from the two countries in Concacaf play. Club America of Mexico won the group with 10 points.
Match Officials:
R: Pitti, John Francis (PAN) AR1: Clarke, Kevon Akeem (Barbados) AR2: Barnarde, Wasnah Shavan (Antigua y Barbuda) 4th Official: Bassue, Tristley Jansen (SKN)