Hoilett strikes late as Canada wins in Suriname

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Canada claimed a 1-nil win against Suriname in the first leg of their League A quarter-final series Concacaf Nations League 2024/25 on Friday at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadium in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Ali Ahmed got a chance for Canada in the 16′ after a cross from Jacob Schaffelburg from the left flank, but Surinamese goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen was there to save.

Ahmed provided a ball behind the Surinamese defense in the 33′, but by Tani Oluwaseyi attempt bounced off the right and left posts to prevent it from crossing the goal line.

Suriname picked up the attacking intensity to open the second half, creating two early chances Gloofilo Vlijterwho came closest to scoring in the 59′ with a header from the center of the penalty area onto the crossbar.

Junior Hoilett broke the deadlock in the 82′ and scored the match winner for Canada with a right-footed finish from close range to save a throw from Jonathan David.

The win gives Canada a 1-0 lead and an away goal heading into Tuesday’s second leg in Toronto, Canada.