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First-Half Goals Lift Guadeloupe Over Panama In Gold Cup

Early goals helped the Gwada Boys to victory in Group C action...

Jul 6, 2009 2:14:19 AM

Loic Loval - Mickael Curier - Guadeloupe (mexsport)

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Loic Loval - Mickael Curier - Guadeloupe (mexsport)

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Panama 1-2 Guadeloupe
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Guadeloupe surprised Panama with a pair of first-half goals from Loic Loval and David Fleurival in a span of 10 minutes to defeat the UNCAF champions 2-1 and kick off Group C action with a win.

Blas Perez provided Panama with their first scoring opportunity, early in the match, but the Pachuca striker's shot proved to be weak enough for replacement 'keeper Mauris Fausta to clear. As the match progressed, and to the surprise of the few fans at the Oakland-Alameda stadium, the Gwada Boys began pushing Panama into their own half of the field.

Guadeloupe’s pressure paid off, in the 33rd minute, as Loval took advantage of a defensive blunder to open the scoring. Panamanian defender Armando Gun gifted Loval with a nice set-up after trying to contain an Aurelian Capoue cross. Gun, who intended to pass the ball back to the 'keeper with his chest, did not see the onrushing Loval, who raced in and slotted the loose ball into the back of the net.

Ten minutes later, Fleurival doubled the Gwada Boys' lead with a goal sure to make the highlight reels. The RAEC Mons midfielder rocked Jaime Panedo’s goal with a 40-yard rocket shot. Panama finished the half not knowing what hit them and with little idea on how to turn the match around.

Five minutes into the start of the second-half, Panama threatened to score with a potent Nelson Barahona free kick forcing Fausta into a superb save.

It was not until the 68th minute that Panama finally managed to hit back, as Fausta failed to contain a Perez bicycle kick, leaving the ball at the mercy of Barahona, who was not as forgiving.

Despite pulling back one goal the Panamanian’s were not able to level the score against the aggressive Gwada Boys, who seem set to make another run at the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals.

Panama will play Mexico on Thursday, while Guadeloupe will play Nicaragua. Both games will be played in Houston.

Joel Aceves, Goal.com

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