Suriname’s U-20 national team delivered a spectacular performance in their CONCACAF Championship debut, securing a decisive 7-2 victory against Belize on Monday evening. The match, held at Managua’s Estadio Miguel Chocorron Buitrago stadium in Nicaragua, showcased Suriname’s offensive prowess and tactical dominance throughout the ninety minutes.
The game took an unexpected turn when Belize capitalized on a defensive error to score the opening goal in the fourth minute. However, the young Surinamese squad maintained composure and quickly established control. The turning point arrived in the 14th minute when Belize’s goalkeeper fouled a Surinamese attacker in the penalty area. Midfielder Xavi Dors calmly converted the resulting penalty, leveling the score at 1-1.
Dors continued his exceptional form, netting his second goal ten minutes later to give Suriname the lead. The relentless offensive pressure resulted in an own goal by Belize’s Anderson Pixabaj in the 26th minute, extending the advantage to 3-1. Dors completed his hat-trick just five minutes later with a clinical finish, followed by his fourth goal shortly before halftime despite a temporary setback from Belize’s Tyrone Linares who scored to make it 4-2. The first half concluded with a commanding 5-2 lead for Suriname.
Following halftime, head coach Werner Blackson implemented strategic substitutions while maintaining offensive intensity. The second half saw Pixabaj score another unfortunate own goal in the 77th minute, followed by substitute Jenairo Ligeon sealing the victory with a well-executed seventh goal in the closing stages.
The comprehensive victory demonstrates Suriname’s strong positioning in Group A of the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. The team continues its campaign with upcoming matches against French Guyana (February 24), Saint Martin (February 27), Grenada (March 1), and El Salvador (March 3).