Latest update September 18th, 2026 10:25 AM
Costa Rica’s Herediano claw back to secure a 2-2 draw with Alpha
Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United failed to capitalize on a 2-0 lead nearing the end of their match against
Anthony Abrams
Costa Rico’s Herediano and had to settle for a 2-2 draw when the two teams clashed in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers at the National Stadium Providence, last evening.
The result meant that Guyana’s hopes of advancing into the next round of the tournament, already bordering on the impossible, was finally decided. The Costa Rican looked purposeful, attacking from the very first whistle but the local ball weavers refused to be intimidated and matched their tactics. Both teams enjoyed favourable moments but were guilty of tardy finishes, allowing many opportunities to go asunder.
The local side was hard pressed to perform after conceding 8 goals in their away match in Costa Rica and therefore needing to win by nine clear goals to advance to the second round. With such a daunting task ahead, they had their work cut out for them and the robust game played by the Costa Ricans in the opening session did nothing to inspire hope from the smattering of fans that turned up to witness the encounter.
The war of attrition continued up to the deep stages of the first stanza and the Guyanese demonstrated staunch resilience and made the crucial breakthrough in the 34th minute after Anthony Abrams collected a dolly, raced down the middle of the field and slammed home the first success for the locals. Despite strong exchanges and several near misses, Alpha went in at half time with a 1-0 advantage.
The fifteen minutes respite seemed to benefit both teams as upon resumption the ferocious encounter continued. However, as in the first half, both teams were guilty of tardy play. It took the astuteness of Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant to break the monotony. He collected in midfield and raced to the opposition’s goal, tucking in Guyana’s second strike.
Travis Grant
It was around this juncture that the Costa Ricans sprang into life when Carlos Hernandez dribbled to the opposition’s goal and closed the gap with a well timed kick that left the Alpha custodian stranded. Apparently, cheered by the fact that they still enjoyed a 1 nil lead Alpha slackened up and the Costa Ricans took advantage when Jorge Barbosa breached the Alpha custodian for the second time, in the 84th minute.
The two minutes added on time was hardly sufficient for the local players to make amends and even if it was, the task of clearing the 8 goals deficit drifted from highly improbable to totally impossible for the Alpha boys, most of whom appeared spent from their earlier efforts. The final whistle shortly afterwards was a death knell to the local side as the Costa Ricans managed to pull back the situation to a 2-2 stalemate.
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