DOMINICAN Republic – Gustavo Ascona converted a first half penalty to give Dominican Republic side Moca a 1-0 first leg victory against Robinhood of Suriname in the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at the Estadio Moca 85 in Moca, Dominican Republic.
It was an even start to the contest, but things took a turn in the 28’ when Robinhood DF Allierio Belfor was whistled for a handball in the area when Carlos Rosell tried to chip past him.
A minute later Ascona stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick, handing Moca a 1-0 lead.
The Moca defense was doing a good job in keeping the Robinhood attack under wraps, and the frustration felt by the visitors from Suriname boiled over in the 39’ when star striker and leading scorer Shaquille Cairo was sent off for violent conduct during a corner kick, leaving Robinhood with 10 men for more than a half to play.
The impetus was now on Moca to try to make the most of their man advantage, but the Robinhood defense held firm as the second half wore on, despite a few nervy moments from GK Jonathan Fonkel.
In the end, Robinhood withstood the Moca pressure, leaving the deficit at just a single goal going into next week’s decisive second leg in Suriname.
