San Salvador began its Concacaf Nations League campaign with an emphatic home victory on Friday, as El Salvador defeated Martinique 3-1 at the Estadio Nacional Jorge “Mágico” González. Naturalised Colombian forward Brayan Gil struck twice in a first half controlled by the hosts, while Harold Osorio supplied both of his goals before scoring himself.
The result puts El Salvador at the top of League A Group B on three points. Suriname and Jamaica are also on three, but trail the Central Americans on goals conceded.
Gil and Osorio decide the opening half
Martinique arrived in San Salvador without the authority many had anticipated, and defensive lapses were punished quickly by an El Salvador side that found rhythm through Osorio and Gil.
Gil, 25, opened the scoring in the eighth minute. Osorio delivered from the left, and the forward brought the ball under control on his chest before finishing left-footed with the Martinique defence unable to intervene.
The same combination doubled the advantage 10 minutes later. Osorio again created the opening, releasing Gil to take on the defence and beat goalkeeper Xavier Lenogue with a right-footed finish.
Osorio then made his own contribution to the scoresheet in the 29th minute. Defender Diego Flores found the midfielder, who drove home with his right foot to give the Azul y Blanco a 3-0 interval lead.
El Salvador were organised and confident before the break, dictating the match while Martinique struggled to turn their possession into a meaningful response.
Martinique improve, but the hosts hold firm
The visitors returned with greater purpose after half-time, pushing El Salvador back and producing a couple of openings against goalkeeper Mario González.
Their reward came in the 50th minute, when Flores fouled Kevin Appin inside the area. Canadian referee Pierre-Luc Lauzière pointed to the spot, and Janis Antiste converted the penalty to reduce the deficit.
The contest was briefly halted after a confrontation involving players from both teams. El Salvador coach Gómez and Martinique coach Mercadal also became involved in the dispute, with Mercadal shown a yellow card.
Both sides continued to look for another goal after play resumed, but neither could alter the scoreline. El Salvador saw out a valuable 3-1 win in front of their San Salvador crowd.
Group B picture
El Salvador’s Nations League section also includes Guatemala, Jamaica, Martinique, Suriname and Honduras. The team will play two matches at home and two away during the group phase.
