Honduras leave TT in tatters

Alex Lopez and Alberth Elis scored in the first half as Honduras edged Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva last evening.

That result left TT on three points, with Honduras moving up to eight, after seven matches.

TT paid for a lethargic start with Lopez opening the scoring in the sixth minute, capitalising on a defensive mix-up involving goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams to shoot home, from just outside the penalty box.

Worse was to come in the 16th when Romell Quioto took on his marker down the left and squared a ball which was missed by the entire TT defence and Elis calmly tapped home from the six yard box at the far post.

The hosts had a chance to equalise a minute earlier when Sheldon Bateau met a freekick from Joevin Jones but his header hit the side netting.

National coach Dennis Lawrence looked to strengthen the back-line at the half, bringing on Alvin Jones at right-back. But the second half substitute only lasted 12 minutes as he was sent off by Mexican referee Fernando Guerrero for a lunging tackle on Alfredo Mejia at the centre circle.

And Honduras’ Emilio Izaguirre was also sent off, in the 65th, for a second bookable offence – a foul on midfielder Khaleem Hyland. That foul resulted in a penalty which was converted by Joevin Jones.

TT had their chances in the second half, with Daniel Cyrus’ headed effort ruled out due to a soft foul on him as a he rose over a defender to butt the ball into the back of the net. Cordell Cato and Kevin Molino missed one-on-one chances too.

The venue was only half-filled, as it was the first time it was used for a qualifier, instead of the regular Hasely Crawford Stadium.

TT will now travel to face Panama on Tuesday.