CONCACAF mentioned on Tuesday that this week will characteristic the beginning of the 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League, with the stakes greater than ever.
“Not solely will groups in League A be concentrating on a spot within the CONCACAF Nations League Finals, however the journey to safe a spot within the 2024 Copa America may even be on the thoughts,” mentioned CONCACAF in a press release.
This Thursday the third version of the Concacaf Nations League will get underway with matches in League A, League B and League C and plenty of extra video games to return over the weekend.
In Group B of League A, CONCACAF mentioned “an enormously vital contest will likely be on the docket on Friday when Jamaica host Honduras in Kingston.
“Jamaica loved a powerful efficiency within the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup in reaching the semifinals, and with 5 gamers at present plying their commerce within the English Premier League, little question they wish to progress to the Copa America,” it mentioned.
“Honduras noticed their Gold Cup marketing campaign come to an finish within the group stage, so a powerful begin within the Nations League could be an effective way to place behind the frustration of final summer season,” it added.
CONCACAF mentioned a duel on Sunday in Guatemala Metropolis between Central American rivals Guatemala and Panama in Group A will likely be a must-watch.
It mentioned these two groups loved very profitable Gold Cups this previous summer season.
CONCACAF mentioned the Chapines gained two matches to complete atop their group for the primary time ever, whereas Panama reached their third Gold Cup Remaining, narrowly dropping to Mexico within the Remaining.
Led by 2023 Gold Cup Greatest Participant Award winner Adalberto Carrasquilla, the “Canaleros will likely be wanting to return to CONCACAF play,” CONCACAF mentioned.
It mentioned “the depth must be simply as excessive in League B on the opening weekend, together with a Group C encounter between Bermuda and French Guiana in Bermuda.”
CONCACAF mentioned the hosts competed in League A within the first version in 2019-20 and “no will likely be searching for a return to the massive stage, whereas French Guiana are hoping the highway to a primary ever promotion begins with a victory away from residence.”
“Two groups that took the breath away of followers throughout the area this previous yr will meet, as Guadeloupe welcome in Sint Maarten in Group A,” it mentioned. “Guadeloupe set off loads of fireworks in the course of the 2023 Gold Cup, reaching the group stage from the Prelims after which scoring a number of the greatest objectives of the event.”
CONCACAF mentioned Sint Maarten is “one other wonderful story, having been promoted from League C thanks largely to Gerwin Lake, who led all gamers in scoring within the 2022-23 CNL with eight objectives.”
Some of the thrilling gamers within the Caribbean will characteristic within the opening match of Group A of League C on Thursday, as Yannick Bellachasse and Saint Martin face Anguilla, CONCACAF mentioned.
It mentioned Bellachasse has 4 profession objectives within the CNL, and in addition lately scored within the 2023 Concacaf Caribbean Membership Protect.
CONCACAF mentioned one other feared striker from the Caribbean will likely be on show on Saturday in a Group C contest, with Turks and Caicos Islands FW Billy Forbes taking a crack at British Virgin Islands.
“Forbes was sensational to shut the 2022-23 CNL, scoring 4 objectives together with a brace to present his aspect a giant 2-1 win versus Bonaire,” it mentioned.
