Suriname sentenced to Gold Cup play-offs following two-legged defeat to Canada | OneFootball

Suriname lost the second leg of their CONCACAF Nations League tie with Canada 3-0, adding to a 1-0 deficit from the first quarter-final game. Now, the ‘Natio’ will have to direct their hopes of qualification for the Gold Cup through the play-offs.

Suriname just couldn’t find a result, despite a roster of Eredivisie players past and present in the starting lineup. Etienne Vaessen, Liam van Gelderen, Stefano Denswil, Ridgeciano Haps, Dion Malone, Shaquille Pinas, Sheraldo Becker, Justin Lonwijk and Djevencio van der Kust all appeared for the side ranked 136th in the FIFA charts, yet Canada were far superior.

A goal from Jonathan David, as well as a double from Jacob Shaffelburg added to Junior Hoilett’s previous decisive goal in Paramaribo to signal a trickier route of qualification for Stanley Menzo’s side.

In his post-match press conference, Menzo conceded to Canada’s strength and hinted at the level required:

“It went too fast for us. In top football, you don’t often see teams putting you under so much pressure. The way they did it, the pace, the intensity… it went too fast for us.”

Suriname now of course miss out on a direct route to the Gold Cup. However, they can still qualify for the tournament that will be held in the United States next year via the play-offs. Martinique are their next opponents in March.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield