Posted: Friday, March 21, 2025. 1:21 pm CST.
BMNT training session at FFB Stadium on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Photo Credit: FFB
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Belize Men’s National Team (BMNT) face a daunting challenge tonight as they take on Costa Rica in the first leg of the Concacaf Gold Cup Qualifier. The match is set to kick off at 8:00 pm at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan. Belize will play the return leg in Costa Rica on Tuesday, March 25.
The lead-up to this critical encounter has been overshadowed by controversy. Despite the match being mere hours away, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has not publicly disclosed the official roster. Fans have been left speculating, even as the Costa Rican National Federation released their squad last week. This lack of transparency has sparked frustration among supporters eagerly awaiting news about the BMNT lineup.
The roster secrecy comes against the backdrop of internal tensions within the BMNT. Reports suggest that key players, including Jordy Polanco, Nahjib Guerra, Moises Hernandez, and Charles Tillett, were cut after skipping training sessions. The absences stem from dissatisfaction with the FFB’s decision to reduce training stipends and match fees. Notably, veteran goalkeeper Woodrow West was briefly called up to address the goalkeeper gap but ultimately left due to unfavourable circumstances. As a result, Head Coach Charlie Slusher has been forced to rely on less experienced players, including younger talent.
While the FFB has remained tight-lipped, their social media channels posted photos of Thursday’s final training session, offering a glimpse of the squad preparing for the high-stakes match. Among those expected to play a pivotal role is Angelo Capello, who has become a central figure for the BMNT. Head Coach Slusher will be counting on Capello to inspire and rally the team against a formidable Costa Rican side.
Slusher will also be counting on Honduran-based Carlos Bernardez who had better performances under him in the World Cup qualifiers in 2024 than with previous coach, Spaniard David Pérez.
Tonight’s match marks a crucial moment for Belizean football. Despite the challenges and controversies, the team carries the hopes of a nation eager to see them triumph on home soil. As anticipation builds, fans will be watching closely to see how the BMNT respond under pressure and whether they can rise to the occasion.
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The post Belize take on Costa Rica in high-stakes Concacaf Gold Cup Qualifier Friday night appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, March 21, 2025. 1:21 pm CST. BMNT training session at FFB Stadium on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Photo Credit: FFB By Rubén Morales Iglesias:
The post Belize take on Costa Rica in high-stakes Concacaf Gold Cup Qualifier Friday night appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
