Bermuda 3 Honduras 5
A dramatic encounter at the Flora Duffy South Field Stadium saw Bermuda's hopes of a second Gold Cup appearance take a significant blow as Honduras staged a stunning second-half comeback to secure a 5-3 victory in the first leg of their CONCACAF qualification tie. Click Here to see the Bermuda vs Honduras Highlights March 21st 2025
Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - Dale Eve, Reese Jones Jr., Roger Lee (Aunde Todd 77th), Julian Carpenter, Lejaun Simmons (Eusebio Blankendal 68th), Enrique Russell, Djair Parfitt (Sachiel Ming 65th), Keziah Martin (Ne-jai Tucker 77th), Kieron Richardson, Reggie Lambe (Zeiko Lewis 65th), Kane Crichlow - Substitutes: - J’Nai Butterfield-Steede, Detre Bell, Knory Scott, Willie Clemons, David Jones, Max Mobray, Milai Perott - Honduras Starting Line-Up: - E. Menjivar, D Maldanano, F. Flores, A. Najar, N. Arriaga (J. Garcia 86th), J. Alvarez (A. Lopez, 77th), J. Martinez, L. Palma (Y. Arboleda 86th), R. Quioto, E. Hernandez (J. Benguche 46th), D. Flores - Substitutes: - E. Rivas, L. Vega, C. Melendez, J. Pinto, H. Medina,, J. Gonzales, M. Licona, J. Jean-Baptiste, H. Fonseca
The match, played under persistent rain, began in sensational fashion for the home side. Kane Crichlow sent the stadium into raptures, heading home a Djair Parfitt cross in the very first minute, giving Bermuda an early lead. Parfitt himself then doubled the advantage just before half-time, sending Bermuda into the break with a shock 2-0 lead.
However, the second half saw a remarkable turnaround from the visitors. Honduras, seeking their 17th Gold Cup appearance, displayed their resilience and attacking prowess. Romell Quioto ignited the comeback in the 60th minute, pulling a goal back for Honduras. Just four minutes later, Luis Palma levelled the scores, and then Quioto scored his second two minutes after that giving Honduras the lead.
As the match entered its closing stages, Julien Martinez extended Honduras' lead to 4-2 in the 89th minute. Bermuda, however, refused to give up. Substitute Zeiko Lewis converted a penalty in stoppage time, giving the home side a glimmer of hope. But that hope was quickly extinguished as Jose Pinto restored Honduras' two-goal advantage just moments later, sealing a 5-3 victory.
The result leaves Bermuda facing an uphill battle in the second leg, with Honduras holding a significant advantage. The dramatic second-half collapse will be a bitter pill to swallow for the Bermudian side, who had looked on course for a famous victory.
This match was a stark contrast to the previous meeting between the two sides at the same venue in June, when Honduras secured a dominant 6-1 win in World Cup qualifying. Bermuda, who entered the Gold Cup qualifiers from League B, having finished second in Group D, were determined to prove they could compete with the higher-ranked Honduras, who finished second in League A's Group B.
Despite the disappointing result, Bermuda will need to regroup and focus on the second leg. The team will need to display immense character and determination if they are to overturn the deficit and secure a historic second Gold Cup appearance.
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