MIAMI, Florida – Two more teams have clinched spots in next month’s 2023 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship, with Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic joining the fray after their respective victories on Wednesday in CWU20 Qualifying.
It was hard-fought duel between the two sides, but the Dominican Republic emerged on top of Group C with a 0-0 draw against Guyana at the Estadio Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The first half saw chances for both sides, but the two goalkeepers proved to be outstanding, as Guyana’s Nya-Grace Young and Dominican Republic’s Paloma Pena each made some impressive saves in the first 45 minutes.
The Dominican Republic had the bulk of chances in the second half, but Young would not be beaten. In the end though, with goal difference in their favor, the scoreless draw was enough for the Dominican Republic to advance.
In the day’s first game in Santo Domingo, Suriname edged Dominica 2-0 to earn their first win of the tournament.
Damarez Williams opened the scoring for Suriname in the 19’ and then the lead was doubled by Samanie Loe-A-Foe in the 65’ to secure the three points.
Group D was back in action at the Rignaal Jean Francisca Stadium in Willemstad, Curacao, where Guadeloupe overcame a sending-off right before the hour mark to defeat the Cayman Islands 3-0 for their first win of the tournament.
All three goals came in the second half, with 16-year-old Mymithye Bironien scoring her first in the 53’. Guadeloupe GK Sephora Cabarrus was sent off in the 59’, but Guadeloupe were unfazed and sealed the win with another two goals from Bironien in the 90+2’ and 90+6’ to complete her hat trick.
In the nightcap in Willemstad, Puerto Rico downed Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 to nail down first place in the group and their place in the CWU20.
Kennedy Garcia (27’, 83’) and Enasia Colon (31’, 76’) each had a brace, while Ashley McMahon (51’) added a score to pace the Boricuas to the victory.
Group F was back at the Estadio Nacional in Managua, Nicaragua, and it was a triumphant evening for Guatemala, who topped Saint Lucia 5-0.
Waleska Franco (60’, 90’) led the way with two goals, while Karen Gonzalez (9’), Betzael Contreras (17’) and Flor Perla (83’) all added their names to the scoresheet.
The second game of the day in the group saw home side Nicaragua defeat Belize 3-2. Nicaragua jumped out to a 2-0 lead through goals from Perla Garache (9’) and Ines Navarrete (17’), but Belize responded with a score from Khalydia Velasquez (25’). Back came Nicaragua with Navarrete’s second of the night (32’), only for Velasquez to strike again (67’). In the end though, Nicaragua hung on for the three points and the 3-2 victory.
With Group C and Group D wrapped up, just two games will be on the docket on Friday, both in Group F in Managua.
One of Saint Lucia and Belize will be seeking a first win of the tournament to start the day’s action, while the nightcap will feature a heavyweight battle between Central America sides Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
