PARAMARIBO, Suriname – A dramatic late goal by NEC Nijmegen’s Shadrach Misidjan secured a 1-1 draw for Suriname against Guatemala on Thursday, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive in the third round of CONCACAF qualifying. The result,fueled by a late surge including a desperate corner kick attempt by goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen,provides a vital point for Suriname as they pursue a historic first-ever appearance in the World Cup.
Suriname is competing in group A alongside Guatemala, Panama, and El Salvador, with the group winner automatically qualifying for next year’s tournament. The runner-up may still have a chance to qualify thru an intercontinental playoff.Curaçao also bolstered their qualification chances with a 2-0 victory over Jamaica, taking the lead in Group B.
The match in Paramaribo appeared to be slipping away for Suriname when substitute Darwin Lom scored for Guatemala in the 75th minute, capitalizing on a turnover forced by former Feyenoord player Ridgeciano Haps. However, Misidjan’s powerful strike from outside the penalty area in injury time ignited celebrations amongst the home crowd.
Suriname fielded a starting eleven comprised of players with experience in top-tier European leagues,including debuts for Djavan Anderson and Jay-Roy Grot,and a return for 38-year-old midfielder Tjaronn Chery,who previously represented Suriname between 2021 and 2023.
Suriname will next face Panama in an away match on Tuesday. Meanwhile, curaçao, led by national coach Dick advocaat, secured their win against Jamaica through goals from Livano Comenencia in the 15th minute and Kenji Gorré after halftime. With seven points from three games, Curaçao currently leads Group B, while Jamaica sits in second with six. curaçao will next host Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday.
