MIAMI – The 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League continued with two first-leg matches in the Play-In round on Thursday, as Saint Kitts and Nevis took advantage of home field to earn a 2-1 lead in their series with Cuba.
Belize earned a 2-1 win over French Guiana in the other encounter of what was a victorious night for the recent League C group winners.
The Concacaf Nations League Play-In consists of a home-and-away direct elimination round. The aggregate score winner in each matchup will advance to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Prelims.
Saint Kitts and Nevis vs. Cuba
Saint Kitts and Nevis won 2-1 against Cuba in the first leg of their Play-In series at the SKNFA Technical Center in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Romaine Sawyers opened the scoring in the 8' with a right-footed strike inside the penalty area. Omari Sterling-James set up the goal, dribbling into the box before laying off the final pass.
Luis Paradela equalized for the visitors in the 40', receiving the ball inside the penalty area before advancing the ball and striking with power into the upper netting. Orlando Calvo provided a perfectly weighted ball into the area near the touchline to earn the assist.
Andre Burley recovered the lead for the hosts in the 48', striking the match-winning goal with a header to connect on a free-kick attempt. Sterling-James provided the service for his second assist.
Cuba will host Saint Kitts and Nevis in the second leg on Monday at Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
Belize vs. French Guiana
Belize won 2-1 against French Guiana in the first leg of their Play-In series at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, Belize.
Carlos Bernárdez broke the deadlock from a penalty kick attempt in the 67', striking with his right foot into the center of the net.
Eugene Martinez extended the lead in the 75' with a header inside the box to capitalize on a second chance following a Belize corner kick. Jordy Polanco provided the assist by placing the ball into the penalty area.
Thomas Torvic scored for the visitors in the 90'+3, striking a header inside the penalty area to convert on a corner kick opportunity. Thomas Vancaeyezeele provided the assist from the corner flag.
French Guiana and Belize will meet for the second leg on Tuesday at Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo, Suriname.
