Guadeloupe snatches a tie in Canada in the Gold Cup

Canada kicked off their Gold Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw on Tuesday night against Guadeloupe. After a slow start, Canada found their rhythm in the second half to take control of the game, but eventually faltered in stoppage time.

Against Guadeloupe, the Maple Leaf representatives only banked five of 17 shots. Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borgan saved three of Guadeloupe’s four shots on target.

Deprived of their best elements in the tournament, Canada certainly didn’t start their match as well as they would have liked. On 23 minutes of play, Thierry Ambrose managed to slip through the Canadian defense inside the penalty area and he pushed the ball into the net and slid to the ground to give Guadeloupe the lead.

The Canadiens finally gave a sign of life in the second half. In the 49th minute, Junior Howlett crossed the ball through Lucas Cavallini, who fired home to send the two teams back to square one.

Canada returned to the attack in the 70th minute of play through Richie Larea. The midfielder played luck when the ball first bounced off Guadeloupe defender Medina Lina. The ball then hit Laria’s foot, before finishing its way into the back of the net. The Canadians led the game for the first time.

However, things got complicated for the Canadiens in stoppage time as, on a free kick, Ambrose recovered the ball to Borgan’s left and attempted a Ledric Avenel cross. However, it was Canadian player Jacen Russell-Rowe who redirected the ball into his own net.

This goal from Russell Rowe allowed Guadeloupe to snatch a tie in Canada.

Canada will return to action on Saturday to face Guatemala. And then John Herdman’s men will complete the group stage with a duel against Cuba next Tuesday.