Belize regain composure, draw 1-1 with French Guiana in Concacaf Nations League

Published by BBNTEAM at June 9, 2022

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Posted: Thursday, June 9, 2022. 7:03 pm CST.

Photo Credit: Iris Centeno Studio

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize came within minutes of a victory over French Guiana in the Concacaf Nations League today at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, but an 89’ minute goal by Joel Sarrucco was good enough for French Guiana to draw even 1-1.

Horace Avila had shown promise in the first two games for Belize and today he nailed the game opener for Belize in the 74’. A case of passing on the mantle it could be as today he entered the ballgame instead of perennial starter Deon McCaulay and he responded as expected.

The goal came from a free kick in Belize’s own half taken by captain Everal Trapp in the center circle. The ball dropped in the box, took a bounce and Avila coming around the right headed it past French Guiana goalkeeper Donovan Leon of French club Auxerre.

It looked like it would hold but in the end French Guiana pulled off a goal to even the score.

French Guiana actually scored twice in the game, in the 10’ and 52’ but on both occasions they were ruled offside. But they were not to be denied. In the 89’, Sarrucco nailed goalkeeper Charles Tillett inside the box off a cross from the left side. Not much Tillett could do. 1-1 – French Guiana drew even.

French Guiana has not lost a game since Belize last beat them 2-0 on September 8, 2019 at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan on goals by Ean Lewis in the 4’ and Deon McCaulay in the 70’.

Only two players who started then were in the initial starting eleven today: Everal Trapp and Nana Mensah. Norman Anderson, and Deon McCaulay who were starters then were on the bench today.

Back then, goalkeeper Charles Tillet was on the bench along with Donell Arzu, Darrel Myvette, and Krisean Lopez.

The team then consisted of Woodrow West; Anderson, Ian Gaynair, Elroy Smith, Tyrone Pandy; Everal Trapp, Amilton de Santana, Ean Lewis, Nana Mensah; Deon McCaulay and Michael Salazar.

Less than two years later, the starting eleven had Tillett in goal. In front of him Eugene Martinez, DeShawon Nembhard, and Everal Trapp manned the defence. Darrell Myvett, Nana Mensah, and Avila were in the middle with Angelo Capello and Krisean Lopez playing the wings just ahead of them. August and Carlos Bernárdez were up front.

Jovaunn Ramos replaced Mensah and Eldon Reneau substituted for August in the 65’. Five minutes later Donell Arzu took Nembhard’s place. In the 85th, Aaron Lopez went in for Capello and Deon McCaulay entered for Avila.

The Belize team heads to French Guiana, on Friday for the return match on Tuesday, June 14, at 1:00 pm at Stade Dr Edward Lama in Cayenne.

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