MANAGUA, Nicaragua – A stormy night ended in celebration for Nicaragua, who persevered to a 2-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Group C of League B of the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League at the National Football Stadium in Managua, Nicaragua.

Clear skies at kickoff provided for a pleasant back and forth matchup with Brayan Lopez delivering the first attempt for the home side in the sixth minute. Meanwhile, Levi Garcia had a pair of attempts for the visitors in the eighth and ninth minutes.

Christian Reyes attempted a chance from distance for Nicaragua in the 14th minute before Trinidad and Tobago would get the better opportunities. Garcia attempted again in the 23rd minute and Aubrey David in the 36th minute, but the match looked to stay scoreless through the first half.

Josue Quijano manifested the opening goal right before the halftime break with a blast from distance in the 45+1’ minute. The right back found a bit of space and placed his strike inside the near post for his second international goal and first in CNL.

Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Shannon Gomez helped tie the encounter on the other side of the break. The 25-year-old provided a wonder hit from distance that was registered as a Christian Reyes own goal in the 46th minute.

As heavy rain fell in the Nicaraguan capital, the Blue and White felt the victory in their grasp when Juan Barrera and Ariagner Smith combined for a dangerous play inside the box, only to be denied by goalkeeper Marvin Philip. The oncoming pressure was making strides, however, and the home team could taste the three points.

The decisive strike arrived via Byron Bonilla, who recovered the lead for the home side with a shot just outside the top of the box in the 78th minute. The right-footed attempt earned the forward his third CNL goal, tying Carlos Chavarria for most by a Nicaraguan player.

Nicaragua rose to the top of the group after the first matchday and improved to 3-1-3 in CNL matches. Trinidad and Tobago continues searching for its first CNL victory.