Action from the World Cup qualifier between visiting Trinidad & Tobago and Honduras (white jersey) on November 15, 2016, in San Pedro Sula. (Photo: CA-Images)
SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras -- Honduras (1W-0D-0L, 3 points) got back on track in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 win over visiting Trinidad & Tobago (0-0-2, 0) on Tuesday at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano.
The result provisionally lifted the Catrachos into a tie for first place on three points with Costa Rica, Mexico and Panama, each of which will play later in the evening. Trinidad & Tobago lost starting goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams to an early injury and has yet to secure a point after two games.
Williams left the game in the fifth minute after a clash with Honduras’ Alberth Elis, who attempted to dribble around the Central FC custodian, only to clip him with his knee.
Marvin Phillip entered as Williams’ replacement, but he conceded in the 16th minute, when Romell Quioto first-timed a shot with his right foot from just outside the area.
The lead was doubled three minutes later as Emilio Izaguirre laced a left-footed shot underneath Phillip after Elis poked the ball loose.
Five minutes before halftime, Honduras midfielder Oscar Boniek Garcia nearly put the game out of reach, but Phillip was able to parry the 25-yard blast over the crossbar.
T&T halved the deficit in the 52nd minute as defender Carlyle Mitchell redirected a header from a corner kick past Honduras keeper Donis Escober.
Honduras substitute Eddie Hernandez headed off the crossbar in the 70th minute, but he didn’t miss with nine minutes left in normal time. The 25-year-old forward one-timed Garcia’s left-sided cross from close range.
The sides return to qualifying on March 24 with Honduras visiting the USA and T&T hosting Panama.
