Like the League C teams that came before them on Friday, Sint Maarten were never going to go away easily. In the eighth minute, Sergio Hughes sent in a bouncing cross that T-Shawn Illidge directed goalwards, but it hit the post and French Guiana were able to clear.
The first breakthrough came in the 28th minute on the other end. Arnold Abelinti appeared to score a goal, but the play was blown dead for a handball and a penalty was awarded, temporarily nullifying the goal. But, Abelinti stepped up to take the kick and converted, making it 1-0 to French Guiana.
Sint Maarten winger Chovanie Amatkarijo looked dangerous every time he touched the ball in the opening period, sending in several well-weighted passes behind the French Guiana back line. Ultimately, he would get the goal himself, with a thunderous hit from the top of the penalty area in the 40th minute, assisted by Gerwin Lake.
For Sint Maarten, it was a historic strike as it served as their first ever Gold Cup goal.
Just three minutes later, the momentum would shift again. Abelinti looped in a high cross and Loic Ball headed it past Sint Maarten GK Gikay Croes in the 43rd minute to give Les Yana Dokos a 2-1 lead at the break.
They would extend their lead shortly after a weather-lengthened halftime break, when Abelinti made a nice run into the box and slid one past Croes into the far corner of the net in the 49th minute to make it 3-1.
A little spin moves from Abelinti in the 75th minute allowed him to set up Thomas Nemouthe for a simple finish. With the game all but settled, Abelinti was subbed out shortly after, his man of the match performance complete.
The game would finish 4-1 in favor of French Guiana, who will face Saint Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday for a place in Group A.
