Balanced display helps Nicaragua retake Group C lead | OneFootball

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Nicaragua played to a 4-1 win over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in front of a capacity crowd at the National Football Stadium in Managua on Friday night in League B Group C action.

The hosts took the lead within three minutes thanks to Ariagner Smith. The Nicaraguan forward and outside back Josue Quijano combined to play off each other on the right flank and, after receiving the cross with his left, delivered a power hit with his right foot into the net.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines responded and were awarded a penalty in the 16th minute after Oalex Anderson was tripped inside the top of the box by goalkeeper Miguel Rodriguez. Kyle Edwards converted from the penalty spot two minutes later to make it 1-1.

Nicaragua retook the lead with a header from Juan Barrera in the 42nd minute. The goal originated from a corner kick taken by Smith after being denied on the previous play. After passing over to Quijano, the ball found its way to Byron Bonilla for the left-footed assist from the right flank into the center of the box.

After the recess, Nicaragua regained possession of the ball to extend its lead early in the second period.

Matias Belli found some space inside the middle of the field to drive forward and hit a menacing shot from distance in the 60th minute. It was Belli’s fifth international goal and second against Vincy Heat after scoring in CNL play last June.

Francisco Flores, who entered the match in the 79th minute, put the exclamation mark on the result with a left-footed hit from distance into the right corner of the goal two minutes into stoppage time. The victory places Nicaragua back at the top of the group.

A Trinidad and Tobago victory earlier in the day sets up a decisive final group match with Nicaragua on Monday. Nicaragua needs only a draw to finish first in Group C and gain automatic Gold Cup qualification.