French Guiana’s late goal foils Belize’s victory plans

BELMOPAN, Belize. - There was little between Belize and French Guiana on Thursday at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, with the teams playing to a 1-1 draw in Group D of League B of the Concacaf Nations League.

Belize got its goal from Horace Avila, who scored his first-ever international goal, while French Guiana relied on Joel Sarrucco, who moved his team-leading CNL goal tally to four with a late equalizer.

After a first half in which Belize had more of the ball, both sides looked for a goal to break the deadlock, with French Guiana creating a flurry of opportunities in the first five minutes of the second half.

But after a set piece in the 52nd minute that was headed into the back of the net sparked celebrations; French Guiana was back to business after the goal was waved off for offside.

It was Belize whose goal would first count, with the hosts getting their first goal of the CNL in the 74th minute. A long ball over the top bounced in the box and Avila was able to head past French Guiana GK Donovan Leon to get the breakthrough.

Just when it looked like Belize would pocket the win, French Guiana drew level in the 89th minute, with a pair of substitutes connecting to keep Les Yana Dokos undefeated. Warren Rino’s cross took a deflection in the box, with Sarrucco able to eagerly sweep the ball home to secure a point.

The two teams meet again to close out the June international window, with French Guiana set to host Belize on June 14 at the Stade Municipal Dr. Edmard Lama.