ANALYSIS + HIGHLIGHTS: CanMNT drop points in Gold Cup opener vs. Guadeloupe

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Canada NT

The Canadian men's national team began their 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw vs. Guadeloupe, as both teams split the points following a back-and-forth encounter at BMO Field.

The Canadian men's national team began their 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw vs. Guadeloupe, as both teams split the points following a back-and-forth encounter at BMO Field in Toronto that ended with a late equalizer by the visiting side.

Guadeloupe got the scoring started in the first half as Thierry Ambrose got the better of both Steven Vitoria and Milan Borjan courtesy of some deft touches and dribbling, giving his team a shock 1-0 lead which they would carry into the locker room at half-time.

But Canada came out looking much livelier in the second half, drawing a quick penalty – ruled off by VAR review – and then scoring immediately afterward courtesy of an incredible bit of inter-play between Junior Hoilett and Lucas Cavallini.

Then, Canada took a 2-1 lead via some more combination play as Ali Ahmed and Richie Laryea linked up to force an own goal out of Guadeloupe. That own goal was returned, in kind, in added time as Guadeloupe earned a free kick with just minutes to go in the match, which they converted via an unfortunate touch off Jacen Russell-Rowe on his international debut.

So, Canada would end the night on a sour note, failing to turn around their 2-0 loss to the United States last week in the Concacaf Nations League final, but will hope to return to winning ways on Saturday for their second Gold Cup group stage match vs. Guatemala. It's on Canada Day right here on OneSoccer – stay tuned!