GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands.- A blast from Alphonso Davies was all Canada needed to top Cuba for the second time in four days, with a 1-0 victory at Truman Bodden Stadium in George Town, Cayman Islands in Group A of League A.
Cuba thought it had broken up a counter-attack spearheaded by Cyle Larin in the ninth minute but Davies ran onto the ball in the box after it was tackled away and unleashed a thunderbolt that Cuba goalkeeper Nelson Johnston had no hope of stopping.
Cuba, hosting at a neutral site during renovations at the national stadium, sought out the equalizer in the 16th minute, but Rolando Abreu’s long-range effort narrowly missed the frame.
Canada was playing with 10 men after 55 minutes when center back Doniel Henry shown his second yellow card after a discussion with the referee. He had been previously booked for a foul in the 31st minute, but the 10-men North Americans were able to see out the victory.
While Cuba suffered its second defeat of the tournament, coach Pablo Elier Sanchez may take some inspiration from the game ahead of games against the United States. Cuba also faced Canada in each of its previous two matches, losing 6-0 last week and 7-0 in the Gold Cup group stage.