Azcona makes history for Dominican Republic in narrow loss | OneFootball

MENDOZA, Argentina.- The 2023 FIFA Under-20 Men’s World Cup in Argentina continued on Sunday with Edison Azcona making history for the Dominican Republic.

The Inter Miami man converted a first half penalty to record the first ever World Cup goal at any age level for the Dominican Republic.

The Caribbean nation narrowly fell to Nigeria 2-1 in their Group D opener at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, Argentina.

Azcona’s moment came in the 23’ when he calmly converted from the spot to hand his side a 1-0 lead.

Nigeria answered quickly though and pulled level 1-1 in the 31’ via an own goal from Guillermo de Pena.

Each side was keen to find a winner in the second half and it would fall Nigeria’s way on a defensive mistake from the Dominican Republic, allowing Nigeria to score the 2-1 winner in the 70’.

The fourth Concacaf participant in the U20 World Cup, Honduras, open their Group F campaign against Gambia at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.

The Hondurans’ top scorer from the 2022 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship, Marco Aceituno, will look to lead the Catrachos to victory.