Marlon Meza scored the winning goal in the 74th minute. Screenshot: ESPN
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize held firm through four minutes of added time to defeat Saint Martin 2–1, securing third place in Group A of the Concacaf Men’s Under‑20 Championship. The U20 BMNT delivered a gritty, disciplined finish from a team reduced to 10 men for the final stretch, yet determined to close their campaign on a high note.
Belize opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Marlon Meza Jr sliced through midfield, got past three defenders before slipping the ball to Eddie Williams, who calmly finished for the 1–0 lead. Saint Martin equalized early in the second half through Kenjy Hon after a defensive lapse, but Belize responded with character.
In the 74th minute, Meza delivered one of the tournament’s standout moments. Picking up the ball in the middle, he powered straight through the centre, beating two defenders before driving a low shot into the right corner to restore Belize’s lead at 2–1.
The match grew tense in the 82nd minute when Deifson Cartagena was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving Belize to defend their advantage with ten men. Saint Martin pressed hard, forcing goalkeeper Najabder Patt into two crucial saves in the 85th minute—first at the near post, then another moments later as the pressure mounted.
Despite being a man down, Belize refused to retreat completely. Marlon Meza Jr continued pushing forward on the counter, helping relieve pressure and preventing Saint Martin from committing fully to attack.
But the drama wasn’t over. In 90+3, Saint Martin’s Clarence Nguessan was sent off for a second yellow card after a clear dive in the box, bringing both teams to ten men for the final seconds.
Belize held firm throughout the four minutes of injury time, with Meza still driving forward on the counter and the defence staying compact, and ssecured the win to finish their campaign on a positive note.
Though Belize suffered heavy defeats to Suriname and El Salvador—the two sides meeting later tonight to decide the group winner—the U20 BMNT still closed the tournament with a respectable nine points. Their three victories came against Grenada, French Guiana, and Saint Martin, demonstrating the team’s ability to rebound strongly and compete effectively despite the setbacks.
The post Belize secure 2–1 victory over Saint Martin to claim third place in Group A appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Marlon Meza scored the winning goal in the 74th minute. Screenshot: ESPN By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize held firm through four minutes of added time to defeat Saint Martin 2–1, securing third place in Group A of the Concacaf Men’s Under‑20 Championship. The U20 BMNT delivered a gritty, disciplined finish from a team reduced to
The post Belize secure 2–1 victory over Saint Martin to claim third place in Group A appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.