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Canada vs Guadeloupe score, result as CanMNT settle for 2-2 home draw in CONCACAF Gold Cup opener

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Simon Borg
• 17 min read
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Canada's men's national team watched their hard-fought lead disappear deep into second-half stoppage time as Guadeloupe pulled off a shock 2-2 draw in both teams' 2023 Gold Cup opener.

The Group D match was played in Toronto, where the home crowd helped Canada overcome a surprising halftime deficit after a silky dribbling move in the Canada box allowed Thierry Ambrose to give visiting Guadeloupe a halftime lead. 

Canada mounted a furious reaction in the second half, equalizing four minutes into the first half through Lucas Cavallini, and then going ahead 2-1 on an own goal about 20 minutes from time. 

The Canadians looked to be comfortably managing the 2-1 result, when a set piece deep in stoppage time ended with a Guadeloupe cross in the Canada box that was deflected into his own net by Jacen Russell-Rowe.

The final 2-2 draw was arguably a fair result between the two teams. Guadeloupe created several chances and arguably should've had a penalty in the 32nd minute which was not given. Canada were the better team in the second half and saw a penalty call overturned by video review in the 47th minute.

MORE: Updated 2023 Gold Cup bracket

Canada vs Guadeloupe final score

  Final Goal scorers
Canada 2 Cavallini 49' (Hoilett)
Lina (own goal) 71'
Guadeloupe 2 Ambrose 23' (Leborgne)
Russell-Rowe (own goal) 95+'

Lineups:

Canada starting lineup (3-4-3, right to left): 18-Borjan (GK) — 15-McGraw 5-Vitoria, 4-Miller — 22-Laryea (6-Zator, 90'), 14-Bombito (3-Fraser, 64'), 21-Osorio, 20-Ahmed — 10-Hoilett (19-Brym 65'), 9-Cavallini (17-Russell-Rowe, 81'), 11-Millar (13-Shaffelburg, 65')

Guadeloupe (4-2-3-1, right to left): 23-Rouyard (GK) — 2-Alphonse (capt.), 19-Lina, 13-Avinel, 17-Baron — 7-Rotsen, 3-Gravillon (6-Annette, 84') — 11-Tell (5-Saintini, 70'), 15-Leborgne (8-Plumain, 70'), 10-Phaeton (21-Archimede, 84') — 9-Ambrose

What happened to Canada vs Guadeloupe?

On a basic level, this was not Canada's 'A' team. And Guadeloupe are better than most imagine. Plus, Guadeloupe have been in camp a week longer than this Canada Gold Cup squad.

Then during the game, Guadeloupe were able to hurt Canada with their talented attacking players taking advantage of spaces in behind as the Canadians pushed forward. Thierry Ambrose was a one-man wrecking crew, and his Guadaloupe teammates behind him were strong in the buildup. They mostly had their way with the Canadian center-backs.

It also took time for Canada to gain a rhythm in the game, which is understandable given the fact that it's a new squad with several new pieces, including five debutants.

"We're disappointed with the result at home." manager John Herdman said in his postgame press conference. "You definitely want to get three points in your first game, and certainly do it at home for these fans.

"So much disappointment that we couldn't get the three points tonight. Five minutes to go in the game and we've got to manage that better."

Ali Ahmed shines amid Canada debutants

A total of five players made their Canada men's national team debut in the draw against Guadeloupe: three as starters (Ali Ahmed, Moise Bombito, and Zac McGraw) and two coming off the bench (Jacen Russell-Rowe and Dominick Zator).

According to Herdman, it was the first time that Canada had five debutants in one match since 1968.

Ali Ahmed stood out among the group for his personality and his desire to be on the ball and not shy away. He was a constant threat in attack, and he also did solid defending work. Ahmed did not look out of place, with his run and pass into the box leading to the second Canadian tally via an own goal.

"Ali Ahmed roasted those expectations tonight. He's seen the Canadian bar and showed his hunger to say 'Look, I'm going to get to that bar and be part of what's happening in the future. That's a big part of what I've seen tonight."

Colorado Rapids defender Moise Bombito played in central midfield for the first time in his career, according to his coach, while Zac McGraw was at right center-back in a three-man backline.

Bombito, who was praised by his coach for his "great feet" and passing, will likely see time during this tournament at center-back, but Herdman also said that Canada needs players like Bombito in midfield.

As for the two subs, Russell-Rowe was responsible for the own goal that allowed Guadeloupe to tie it late, coming on an attempted defensive intervention. Dominick Zator only came in for stoppage time.

Guadeloupe can do damage in the Gold Cup

Guadeloupe are a French territory, and thus are not a FIFA member nation, which means they are not permitted to qualify to a World Cup. They're not even included in the men's FIFA rankings..

But Guadeloupe do get the opportunity to compete in North American national team competitions, which is what the Gold Cup is.

"People will just hear a name like Guadeloupe, but don't realize that it's all French nationals that play in the French league or Belgian league. It's a different kettle of fish.  

"Valuation-wise, Guadeloupe was almost equal in value to Canada on the pitch tonight. That's fact," Herdman said. "The fact is the only top 5 league player played on Guadeloupe's team tonight (Gravillon)."

What does Canada need to work on? Herdman identified three areas:

  • Canadian defenders getting caught playing a high line: "Being able to drop that line quicker and recognize those moments as a back three," Herdman said;
  • Crossing: Herdman says they were "trying too hard" and "rushed" and "overhit everything."
  • Set pieces: Mainly defending them.

"For us there's going to be some tough conversations. That's four goals in two matches," said Herdman, who mentioned he will entertain different center-back combinations during the tournament. "The center-backs will be disappointed. There were moments tonight they know they've got to clean up. But they don't make excuses. They'll own it."

Canada vs Guadeloupe updates, highlights and commentary from Gold Cup

Final: Canada 2-2 Guadeloupe

94th min.: GOAL Guadeloupe! On the ensuing set piece, the goal reaches the left side of the Canada box and the cross was deflected by Canada forward Jacen Russell-Rowe into his own net.

Watch in Canada:

Watch in USA:

93rd min.: YELLOW card to Canada's Steven Vitoria who had to take down the speedy Archimede.

90th min.: Five minutes of stoppage time.

78th min.: Canada are now managing the result effectively, and Guadeloupe are now having a hard time making the game as they chase a result. The visitors clearly prefer to play on the counter.

The subs made by Canada thus far have boosted Les Rouges, but the same can't be said of Guadeloupe's changes. And Guadeloupe are now tiring after doing so much defending in the game.

71st min.: Goal Canada! It's an own goal. Ali Ahmed with a fantastic run and chip into the box for Richie Laryea, but center-back Meddy Lina inadvertently knocks it into his own goal. Canada have turned it around, leading 2-1.

Watch in USA:

Watch in Canada:

65th min.: YELLOW card to Guadeloupe's Andreaw Gravillon for stopping a promising attack. And that came a few minutes after his teammate Matthias Phaeton received a caution for bringing down the always-dangerous Richie Laryea.

60th min.: Chance Guadeloupe! Andreaw Gravillon picks up a loose ball just outside the box and fires a shot which Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan sends out for a corner.

58th min.: Chance Guadeloupe! It's that man again, forward Thierry Ambrose, with the weaving solo run in the Canada box, and he unleashes a shot that just misses the left post. That may have topped his first goal.

55th min.: Canada has come out on fire to start the second half. They also had a set piece just outside the box, which Cavallini sent high of the target. And Hoilett is especially lively on the left wing.

49th min.: Goal Canada! It's Junior Hoilett with the cross from the left, and his beautiful cross with the outside of his boot finds Lucas Cavallini crashing at the far post. It's 1-1!

Watch in USA:

Watch in Canada:

47th min.: Penalty Canada! U.S. referee Rubiel Vazquez points to the spot after Junior Hoilett is sandwiched between two Guadeloupe defenders in the box.

But then the referee watches the replay on video and switches his decision. The replays show that the right-back Mickael Alphonse gets a touch on the ball before Hoilett.

46th min.: The second half is underway. No changes for either team.

Halftime: Canada 0-1 Guadeloupe

Halftime: Make no mistake about it. This is a secondary squad for Canada, and it's showing on the field. The three Canada debutants are struggling to impact the match, the center-backs are finding the Guadeloupe forwards hard to contain, and there's no rhythm to Canada's attack.

Guadeloupe, meanwhile, are talented along their forward line with the likes of Leborgne, Phaeton, and center-forward Ambrose. The trio are relieving pressure and causing Canada to backtrack. Meanwhile, on the defensive side, Guadeloupe are decisive with no-nonsense clearances and they're packing their box with numbers. It's hard for Canada to find spaces.

A long second half is coming up for Canada. 

44th min.: Yellow card to Lucas Cavallini for an over-eager challenge to win the ball back.

42nd min.: Chance Canada! Junior Hoilett, now wide left, comes inside and fires a right-footed shot from distance that misses the far post. The veteran knows that his team is not clicking and tried to do it solo.

39th min.: There's no flow to Canada's game and their frustration is growing as Zac McGraw has a header go well wide of the target. Meanwhile, Guadeloupe are happy booting the ball long out of their box. The visitors are not taking any risks when they get the ball at their feet in their own box.

32nd min.: Penalty Guadeloupe? On a cross from the right, Leborgne was tackled to the ground by Steven Vitoria. But even after the VAR checked it, no penalty is given. Wow.

Watch in USA:

27th min.: Canada's response is immediate with a couple of entries into the box which caused some chaos in the Guadeloupe backline. But the visitors scrambled just enough to survive.

23rd min.: Goal Guadeloupe! A surprise goal in Toronto! Leborgne with the no-look pass into center-forward Thierry Ambrose, who pulls off the sick move on Steven Vitoria and slots it past Milan Borjan.

Watch in USA:

Watch in Canada:

21st min.: Chance Canada! After an intricate set-piece play, Richie Laryea is free to run down the right side of the box and he shoots instead of crossing, nearly surprising the Guadeloupe goalkeeper.

Laryea has been the most dangerous player for Canada so far with his runs down the right flank. That's where most of the Canada attacks have been coming from.

16th min.: Chance Guadeloupe! It's the best opportunity of the game so far. Thierry Ambrose was sprung in behind and his first shot is stopped by Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan. Ambrose's follow-up header with an empty net is incredibly wide from close range.

Watch in USA:

13th min.: Chance Canada. First corner kick of the match for Canada, and after a glancing header, Lucas Cavallini deflects the ball just wide left of the goal.

8th min.: Chance Guadeloupe. Leborgne was brought down just outside the Canada box, but Andreaw Gravillon's shot is right at goalkeeper Milan Borjan.

3rd min.: Injury stoppage. Steven Vitoria runs into Guadeloupe's Jordan Leborgne, who stays down for a while. Play resumes with Canada on the front foot.

1st min.: We have kickoff. Canada are in black and Guadeloupe in red. (Strange not to see that Canada are not the team in red.)

Kickoff

5 mins to kickoff: The teams are on the field and it starts with the anthems and the playing of La Marseillaise, since Guadeloupe is a French territory.

Fans are slow filing into BMO Field and it's a pretty early kickoff for a midweek match.

40 mins to kickoff: The rain has stopped and Canada are warming up ahead of the match:

50 mins to kickoff: Lineups are out for both teams. McGraw, Ahmed, and Bombito with the surprise starts for Canada.

1 hour to kickoff: A reminder that this match is being played at BMO Field in Toronto, where the temperature is 70 degrees with light rain. If the precipitation can hold off, it'll be nice weather for a match.

Canada vs Guadeloupe lineups

Surprise starts for center-back Zac McGraw, Vancouver Whitecaps 22-year-old midfielder Ali Ahmed, and Colorado Rapids defender Moise Bombito.

Canada's two attacking stars Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David were released from international duty following their Nations League participation. Stephen Eustaquio and Sam Adekugbe were replaced on the roster Monday by Jayden Nelson and Liam Fraser. Veteran goalkeeper Milan Borjan will continue in goal, though Atiba Hutchinson retired after the Nations League.

Canada starting lineup (3-4-3): 18-Milan Borjan (GK) — 15-Zac McGraw 5-Steven Vitoria, 4-Kamal Miller, — 22-Richie Laryea, 14-Moise Bombito, 21-Jonathan Osorio, 20-Ali Ahmed — 10-Junior Hoilett, 9-Lucas Cavallini, 11-Liam Millar

Canada subs (12): 1-Dwayne St. Clair (GK), 16-Tom McGill (GK), 6-Dominick Zator, 23-Scott Kennedy, 2-Zachary Brault-Guillard, 3-Liam Fraser, 8-David Wotherspoon, 12-Victor Loturi, 19-Charles Brym, 7-Jayden Nelson, 13-Jacob Shaffelburg, 17-Jacen Russell-Rowe

Guadeloupe's most notable player is Andreaw Gravillon who is on the books at French club Stade de Reims. He began last season as a starter for the French club before losing his place, eventually getting sent out on loan to Torino in Italy for the second half of the campaign.

Another defender based in France is 36-year-old Cedric Avinel who was just relegated from Ligue 1 with Ajaccio, while Matthias Phaeton plays at forward for French second-tier side Grenoble.

Guadeloupe starting lineup (4-2-3-1): 23-Davy Rouyard (GK) — 2-Mickael Alphonse (capt.), 19-Meddy Lina, 13-Cedric Avinel, 17-Anthony Baron — 7-Johan Rotsen, 3-Andreaw Gravillon — 11-Jordan Tell, 15-Jordan Leborgne, 10-Matthias Phaeton — 9-Thierry Ambrose.

Guadeloupe subs (10): 1-Willy Leguier (GK), 16-Brice Cognard (GK), 20-Stevenson Casimir, 4-Ronan Hauterville, 5-Nathanael Saintini, 6-Quentin Annette, 8-Ange Plumain, 12-Steven Davidas, 21-Luther Archimede, 22-Dimitri Ramothe 

Canada vs Guadeloupe live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch the match in Canada and the USA on Tuesday, June 27 with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET from BMO Field in Toronto.

USA

  • TV channel: FS1, UniMas, TUDN
  • Streaming: Fubo, Fox Sports site/app, TUDN site/app

The match will be televised in the USA on FS1 (English) and UniMas and TUDN (Spanish) with all three channels streaming on Fubo, which is available to new users on a free trial.

Subscribers to cable, satellite, or telco packages can use those authenticated credentials to access a live stream on the Fox Sports or TUDN site and app.

Canada

  • TV channel: Telus Optik TV (Channel 980)
  • Streaming: Fubo Canada, OneSoccer site/app

The match will be televised in Canada on Telus Optik TV (Channel 980), where viewers can watch the OneSoccer broadcast.

It will also be streamed on Fubo Canada, as well as on the OneSoccer site and app for subscribers.

MORE: Watch Premier League matches live with Fubo in Canada

Canada vs Guadeloupe betting odds

Canada, as one of CONCACAF's most prominent teams, are the overwhelming favorite in this Gold Cup group stage match. With Guadeloupe having entered the main phase via the qualifying round, there's no surprise that the Caribbean nation is considered a massive underdog.

The minnows have had success against Canada in this tournament, however, winning a 2007 group stage match 2-1 before falling 1-0 in the 2011 group stage. Those are the only two meetings between these two nations in their history.

  Canada
win		 Draw Guadeloupe
win		 Both teams
to score Y / N		 Over / Under
2.5 goals		 CAN
-2.5		 GUA
+2.5
BetMGM
(USA)		 -750 +750 +1850 +200 / -300 -175 / +100 +115 -165
Sports
Interaction
(Canada)		 -833 +660 +2000 +190 / -323 -169 / +132 +121 -156
Author(s)
Author Photo
Simon Borg
Simon Borg is a senior editor for football/soccer at The Sporting News.
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