Much at stake for Nicaragua and Guatemala in CNL returns | OneFootball

MIAMI. - Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala will each look to solidify a spot in the upcoming 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, as Groups C and D of League B are on display on Friday in the 2022–23 Concacaf Nations League.

Bahamas vs. Trinidad and Tobago

The Bahamas hosts Trinidad and Tobago at the Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas in Group C play. The home side are unable to gain promotion to League A, but may still gain a spot in the upcoming Gold Cup Prelims if they win their remaining games.

Trinidad and Tobago are one point behind Nicaragua for the top spot and are looking for a direct berth into the Gold Cup, to avoid the Prelims. A victory by the visitors would eliminate the Bahamas from qualification.

This is the fourth meeting between the two sides and the Bahamas are searching for their first victory in the series. The past two encounters, both in Nassau, have ended in draws.

Lesly St Fleur leads Bahamas in CNL goals with four. Noah Powder co-leads the Soca Warriors in CNL goals with two and could feature in this match.

Nicaragua vs. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Nicaragua and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will face off at the National Football Stadium in Managua, Nicaragua in a pivotal contest. The hosts enter this last stretch of CNL action as the Group C leaders and can retain that spot regardless of the result earlier in the day between Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago.

These two sides are entering their fourth encounter in the Nations League and played to a 2-2 stalemate in their previous meeting back in June at the Arnos Vale Stadium. Vincy Heat can no longer qualify for the Gold Cup but they can keep Nicaragua from qualifying directly.

Jaime Moreno leads the way in this edition of the tournament with three goals for Nicaragua, while Byron Bonilla is the country’s all-time leader with four CNL goals.

The Caribbean side will counter with the likes of Azinho Solomon and Oalex Anderson, who each scored in that 2-2 draw last June.

Belize vs. Guatemala

Belize is searching for its first victory in this CNL edition as it welcomes second-place Guatemala to the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, Belize. This is the 13th overall meeting between the sides, with four ending in draws and eight won by the Chapines.

The two sides last met in group action last June. Guatemala took a 2-0 victory as a Deshawon Nembhard own goal broke the deadlock before Carlos Mejía extended the lead from the penalty spot.

The visitors still have hopes to finish atop Group D, but need to win out to do so. Rubio Rubin leads Guatemala with two goals in this edition. For Belize, Horace Avila and Michael Salazar each have CNL goals under their belts, while Krisean Lopez is another dangerman to watch.