2-3: Suriname sours Molina’s debut

The selection of Surinam beat 2-3 against Honduras in a surprising group stage match of the Nations League of the Concacaf which turned out to be a bitter debut for Spanish coach José Francisco Molina. With good football and greater possession of the ball, Suriname took the initiative in most of the match played at the José de la Paz Herrera National Stadium, in Tegucigalpa, with the arbitration of Mexican Fernando Hernández.

The award came to Suriname in the 17th minute with a goal from Justin Lonwijk. Molina’s pupils reacted with a goal from Dereck Moncada in the 51st minute. The player was still able to provide an assist before leaving the field due to an injury. At 53 minutes, Moncada sent a pass from midfield to Bryan Róchez, who with speed and strength got between two defenders and finished high to beat the Caribbean country’s goalkeeper, Etienne Vaessen, to come back and make the score 2-1.

The match became more even, with Suriname trying to equalize, which did not take long to come. In another counterattack, Denzel Jubitana made the score 2-2 in the 38th minute.

In the second half, Honduras, which showed itself better in the midfield and attack, came out with more ambition, always playing fast but with few shots at Suriname’s goal. The Caribbean team played in anticipation to recover the ball and surprise when the Honduran defense allowed it.

In the 66th minute Suriman took the lead again, 2-3, after a shot from Jubitana. The ball grazed the back of Honduran Luis Palma and dislocated goalkeeper Edrick Menjívar, who could not prevent the visiting team’s winning goal. Given the errors in the delivery of the Honduran players, the fans began to support Suriname.