Toronto, Canada (June 27, 2023) – Guadeloupe and Canada battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Group D opener at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. A last-gasp own goal by Jacen Russell-Rowe in the fourth minute of stoppage time secured a vital point for Guadeloupe.
The match kicked off with both teams showing great determination to make a strong start in the tournament. But it was Guadeloupe that struck first in the 23rd minute when striker Thierry Ambrose displayed his clinical finishing skills. Read More News: [Watch video highlights] Costa Rica beat Jamaica, 1-0 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup
With a clever move inside the box, Ambrose evaded two Canadian defenders before confidently placing the ball beyond goalkeeper Milan Borjan’s reach, giving Guadeloupe a deserved lead which they took into the halftime break.
Canada, determined to respond, upped their intensity in the second half. Their efforts paid off in the 50th minute when Lucas Cavallini capitalized on a well-delivered cross from Junior Hoilett. Cavallini displayed excellent positioning as he outmaneuvered his marker and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, bringing the scoreline level at 1-1.
The momentum continued in Canada’s favor, and they took the lead in the 67th minute, thanks to an unfortunate deflection. Meddy Lina, in his attempt to thwart a dangerous move by Canada’s Richie Laryea inside the box, inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net. The goal put Canada ahead 2-1 and provided a significant boost to their aspirations.
However, Guadeloupe refused to surrender and mounted a late surge. In the dying moments of the match, Ambrose unleashed a shot towards the goal, which Jacen Russell-Rowe ultimately redirected into his own net. The devastating own goal shattered Canada’s hopes of claiming all three points and handed Guadeloupe a hard-fought draw.
The result leaves both teams with a point apiece in Group D, setting the stage for intriguing battles ahead.
