FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique.- Martinique earned a point, but Honduras remained undefeated in Group C of League A of Concacaf Nations League play, with the squads playing to a 1-1 draw on Thursday at the Stade Pierre-Aliker in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
A pair of players making their international debuts with their nations didn’t take long to make their mark for their countries.
Emmanuel Riviere turned and fired in a beautiful goal from the top of the box in the fifth minute to put the home side in the lead as part of his first Martinique cap. Substitute Johnny Marajo then had an opportunity after the break, but his shot was deflected by a Honduran defender.
That would prove costly, with Honduras able to find an equalizer. Juan Ramon Mejia’s slide made contact with Jose Tobias’ cross and beat goalkeeper Loic Chauvet in the 65th minute to bring things level.
Los Catrachos clinched their spot in next summer’s CNL semifinals in the previous window and went into the game knowing they’d top the group no matter the result. Martinique, however, needed points to lock up automatic 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup qualification and stay in League A.
They’ll have to wait for the result of Honduras’ home match on Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago next week to learn their fate.