Curazao and Haiti delivered comeback victories in the opening matches of the Concacaf Nations League, overturning significant deficits to secure crucial victories away from home and in Kingston respectively.
Curazao Stuns Costa Rica with Four Goals
Curazao overcame a three-goal halftime deficit on Thursday to defeat Costa Rica 4–3 in a thrilling start to their Concacaf Nations League campaign. The Costa Rican side dominated the opening 45 minutes, taking a commanding 3–0 lead behind goals from Orlando Sinclar in the 3rd minute and Carlos Mora, who netted in the 23rd and 45th minutes.
The match shifted dramatically after the break as Curazao rediscovered the attacking style that previously carried them to World Cup qualification. The tactical turnaround was fueled by players emerging from the substitutes’ bench. Kenji Gorre sparked the comeback with goals in the 62nd and 78th minutes, while Tahith Chong added a strike in the 66th minute. Jordi Paulina completed the stunning reversal by scoring in the 83rd minute, leaving the Costa Rican defense disorganized and unable to stem the offensive momentum.
Haiti Secures Late Triumph Against Trinidad and Tobago
In Kingston, Jamaica, Haiti achieved an equally surprising finish at Sabina Park, defeating Trinidad and Tobago 3–2 thanks to goals in the 91st and 98th minutes. Les Granadiers initially opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Fafá Picault found the net with a header, establishing a comfortable early advantage.
Trinidad and Tobago fought back to take control of the fixture, but Garven Metusala leveled the score at 2–2 in the 91st minute. Just when the match appeared destined for a draw, Wilson Isidor struck seven minutes later in the 98th minute to seal the improbable 3–2 victory for Haiti.
Group A Standings After Opening Fixtures
Following Thursday’s results, Curazao, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic share the lead in Group A with three points apiece.
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