by Marinio Balsemhof
PARAMARIBO — The national football selection of Suriname has started the new Concacaf Nations League season with a win. Natio put in a great performance by beating Honduras 3-2 at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa.
Suriname fell behind after taking a 1-0 lead through Justin Lonwijk, but struggled well to victory. The other two goals were scored by Denzel Jubitana. Dereck Moncada and Bryan Rochez scored for the Central Americans.
“Suriname achieved victory over Honduras for the first time”
Suriname started the match reasonably well. That paid off because in the eighteenth minute, Lonwijk controlled the ball past the Honduran goalkeeper after a good through ball from Gyrano Kerk; 1-0.
Honduras did not want to lose at home and increased the pressure. Suriname had difficulty with it and after two minutes the home team was alongside through Moncada; 1-1. Suriname was excited and after three minutes there was a party in the stands, after Rochez punished a mistake by the Natio defense; 2-1.
Suriname did not hang its head and successfully searched for the equalizer. With six minutes left in the first half, Kerk was sent into space by Jubithana with a beautiful pass. The wing attacker made a good run and controlled the cross past the Honduran goalkeeper; 2-2.
Winning goal
After the break, Natio changed his game and mainly defended better. The hard work was rewarded as a cross from Jubitana went into the goal via the body of Luis Palma; 3-2.
Suriname managed to defend its lead well this time and achieved a victory over Honduras for the first time. The win is a good boost for Monday’s match. Natio will then take on Martinique in the Franklin Essed Stadium.
