Cuba’s under-23 soccer team drew 2-2 against Canada, in Group A of the CONCACAF pre-Olympic tournament taking place in the United States, a result which saw them fail to advance to the semifinals, reported AIN.
Cuba was struggling to come back throughout the match. In the Colorado’s Commerce City Stadium, striker Michael Petrasso put the Canadians ahead in the 26th minute, but a goal from midfielder Arichel Hernández from Villa Clara leveled the score in the 33rd minute before the half time whistle blew.
In the second half, Canada took the lead again with a goal from Molham Babouli in the 52nd minute. But another strike from Arichel 88 minutes in ended the match 2-2.
This result will see coach Raúl González Triana’s squad return to Cuba empty handed as they failed to advance to the semifinals and secure a ticket to the Río de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games.
Cuba achieved two draws and one loss in its Group A matches. The U.S. leads the group with nine points, followed by Canada (4), Cuba (2) and Panama (1).
The hosts and Canada have already advanced to the semifinals, in addition to Mexico from Group B, with the first round stage ending today during which the fourth team to battle it out for the medals will be decided.
