MIAMI – Honduras and Nicaragua began their respective campaigns with a victory in the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League as League A continued Friday with three encounters in Group B.
Nicaragua opened the matchday with a valuable away win at French Guiana. Cuba earned a tie against Jamaica, and Honduras claimed its first three points with a victory over Trinidad and Tobago.
Honduras leads the group on goal difference, followed by Nicaragua. Jamaica and Cuba are next in the table, with one point each.
French Guiana vs. Nicaragua
Nicaragua won 1-nil against French Guiana as action in Group B kicked off at Stade Municipal Dr. Edmard Lama in Remire-Montjoly, French Guiana. The Central Americans extended their unbeaten run in the CNL to 13 matches in the first-ever meeting between the two nations.
Matías Moldskred had a first dangerous look for the visitors in the 8’ with a right-footed curler from just outside the penalty area, but French Guiana goalkeeper Donovan Léon denied his attempt.
Nicaragua had another opportunity in the 21’ with a quick control and turn from Jaime Moreno just inside the box, but Léon once again kept the match scoreless.
Thomas Vancaeyezeele came close to giving French Guiana the lead in the 41’ following a pass from Yohan Marmot, but his right-footed shot was stopped by Nicaragua shot stopper Miguel Rodríguez.
Harold Medina generated another opportunity for Nicaragua inside the opponent’s box in the 53’ with a left-footed finish that was saved by Léon.
Widman Talavera broke the deadlock with the only goal of the match in the 90’+5 to secure the three points for Nicaragua.
Jamaica vs. Cuba
Jamaica and Cuba played to a goalless draw at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
Kasey Palmer had an early opportunity for the hosts in the 7’, following great interplay from Jamaica, but his left-footed volley from the right side of the box was just wide of the top left corner.
Michail Antonio nearly gave Jamaica the lead in the 9’ with a header from close range that bounced off the right post and back into play.
Cuba was left with a man down for the rest of the contest when Yunior Pérez was shown a red card in the 44’.
Karel Espino had the most dangerous attempt for the visitors in the 60’, but his free kick attempt was just wide of the left post.
Jamaica had a late opportunity in the 77’ through Shamar Nicholson, but his attempt from the center of the box went out above the crossbar as the two nations shared the spoils.
Honduras vs. Trinidad and Tobago
Honduras won 4-nil against Trinidad and Tobago at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Alexander López opened the scoring in the 39’ with a right-footed shot from outside the box.
Kevin Arriaga extended the lead in the 45'+2 with a powerful right-footed drive from the edge of the penalty box.
Edwin Rodríguez capitalized on a ball to the center of the box delivered by Luis Palma to extend Honduras’ lead in the 54’.
David Ruiz scored the final goal of the match in the 86’ to cap off an effective offensive display for Los Catrachos.
Group B will resume on Tuesday, starting with Cuba facing Nicaragua. Trinidad and Tobago will host French Guiana for a Caribbean matchup and a thrilling meeting between Honduras and Jamaica will close out the day.
