GUATEMALA CITY – Guatemala were 4-0 winners over French Guiana to conclude action in Group D of League B in the 2022–23 Concacaf Nations League at the Doroteo Guamuch Flores Stadium in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Both teams were separated by a point to enter the contest, but the Central Americans took the victory on their home ground to gain promotion to League A and earn direct qualification to the Gold Cup.
French Guiana will play in the Gold Cup Prelims in hoping of reaching the Gold Cup group stage.
French Guiana striker Arnold Abelinti created some danger early with shots in the 16’ and 28’, both of which forced saves from Guatemala goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen.
Guatemala had their own barriers to score early when Nicolas Samayoa was denied by the woodwork in the 31’ and Oscar Santis blocked by goalkeeper Donovan Leon seconds later.
Defensive play continued to shine into the second half as Alejandro Galindo had the ball taken away cleanly by the duo of Albert Ajaiso and Charlec Zedan, keeping the scoreline intact.
Mickael Colino, who entered the match for the start of the second half, also made a crucial stop to deny Rubio Rubin in the 48’.
Rubin finally broke through on the scoresheet in the 60’ with a header that slightly led the bar towards goal, starting a four-goal surge in the final half-hour for the Chapines.
Santis delivered a whipping ball into the box later on, but Rubin could not get the kick he would’ve liked and the teams remained separated by a one-goal difference.
Samayoa then stopped a French Guiana attack dead in its tracks in the 71’ to deny an equalizer.
A free kick inside the half oval provided the opportunity the hosts were searching for to extend the lead. The Antonio Lopez attempt on goal was blocked by Leon but Marlon Sequen appeared for the rebound in the 76’ and the 2-0 scoreline.
Guatemala extended its lead to 3-0 in the 80’ as a Samayoa header at the far post put the exclamation on a Santis free kick delivery.
The home fans were rewarded with one more goal before the night was over with Jorge Aparicio’s debut international goal in 90’+3 to seal a four-goal win.
