September 28 – The Concacaf Nations League A is underway, with Curaçao, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic each securing two victories, positioning themselves favorably for the quarterfinals and qualification for the Gold Cup 2027.
Strong Starts for Leading Teams
Haiti commenced their campaign with a commendable 2-0 victory over Costa Rica, played at Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde scored the opening goal with a right-footed shot just nine minutes into the match. An own goal by Costa Rica’s Francisco Calvo in the 39th minute sealed the win for Haiti.
Curaçao demonstrated their dominance with a decisive 6-1 victory against Nicaragua at Stadion Ergilio Hato in Willemstad. Kenji Gorré was a standout performer, scoring twice, while Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna, Juninho Bacuna, and Jürgen Locadia also found the back of the net. Jaime Moreno managed to score a consolation goal for Nicaragua.
In their opening match, Curaçao had previously defeated Costa Rica, displaying their offensive prowess. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic celebrated their own success with a 2-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, where Daniel Phillips initially gave Trinidad the lead. The Dominican Republic responded before halftime, with Mariano Díaz scoring the winner soon after the break.
In Group B, Jamaica, Suriname, and El Salvador each marked their openings with wins. El Salvador achieved a 3-1 victory over Martinique, while Suriname recovered from an early deficit to win 3-2 against Honduras away from home. Jamaica clinched a late win against Guatemala, scoring a goal in the fourth minute of added time.
As the league progresses, the performances of these teams may shape the competitive landscape leading to the quarterfinals and the coveted Gold Cup qualification opportunities.
Why It Matters
This early success in the Concacaf Nations League A is crucial for the teams involved, as they seek to establish themselves as top contenders in the region. The outcomes of these matches are significant not only for immediate standings but also for future tournaments, including the prestigious Gold Cup 2027.
