Smith goal at Trinidad earns Nicaragua promotion, Gold Cup prize

Trinidad and Tobago and Nicaragua played to a 1-1 draw on Monday to decide the top spots in Group C of League B in the 2022–23 CONCACAF Nations League at the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet, Trinidad and Tobago, according to CONCACAF.

It said “Nicaragua needed only a tie to secure the top spot, and did just that, booking promotion to League A and direct qualification to the 2023 Gold Cup.”

CONCACAF said Trinidad and Tobago will participate in the Gold Cup Prelims to decide their fate in this summer’s tournament.

“The home side had the first opportunity of the match in the 13’ after making use of an indirect free kick to strike inside the box, but Rundell Winchester’s hit was just left of the post,” it said.

“Shannon Gomez used his speed and quickness to find the open space and deliver a knifing pass into the box for Kaile Auvray in the 20’ but defender Erick Tellez was there to deny the effort with a timely tackle,” it added.

CONCACAF said the visitors took the lead in the 27’ with a smashing header from Ariagner Smith in the run of play.

It said the first shot for Nicaragua proved good for Smith’s sixth international goal and third of this CNL campaign.

“The hosts transformed a throw-in into a penalty in their favor due to Ryan Telfer being brought down by Oscar Acevedo in the 41’,” CONCACAF said. “Captain Joevin Jones stepped up to convert the spot kick and tie the encounter 1-1.”

After the halftime break, CONCACAF said Nicaragua nearly regained the lead on a magnificent scorpion kick attempt by Kevin Serapio in the 48’, only to be denied by the woodwork.

“Auvray displayed some nifty footwork to work his way into the box in the 50’, but his attempt was safely recovered by goalkeeper Miguel Rodriguez,” it said.

CONCACAF said Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Nicklas Frenderup had an important save on the other end in the 60’ to deny Juan Moreno a clean look at goal.

“Despite various attempts by the home side to leave with a victory, Nicaragua was able to hang on and earn the draw,” it said.