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By Samuel Peters
The Antigua and Barbuda Benna Girls suffered a tough start to their 2025/26 Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers campaign, falling 4–0 to Nicaragua in their Group B opener on Thursday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound.
Nicaragua struck early in the 10th minute when Nathaly Silva capitalised on a defensive lapse, firing a right-footed shot past midfielder Zolique Samuel—who was forced into an emergency goal-defending role after the backline was left exposed.
The visitors doubled their advantage in the 19th minute. A well-placed ball from Silva found Sheyla Flores, who unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area to make it 2–0.
Nicaragua continued their dominance and added a third in the 31st minute. After Flores’ effort ricocheted into open space, Doriana Aguilar reacted quickest and placed her shot neatly into the bottom-right corner.
The Benna Girls showed flashes of resilience in the second half, but Nicaragua maintained control and sealed the result in the 85th minute. Ines Navarrete delivered a precise assist to Hannah Lee, who calmly slotted home the fourth and final goal of the match.
Match statistics reflected Nicaragua’s command, with the visitors enjoying 70.9% possession and winning the majority of aerial duels, earned 10 corners and registered 15 interceptions.
Nicaragua will look to build on the strong start as they travel to face Guyana on Monday. The Benna Girls, who now turn their focus to regrouping, will resume their qualifying campaign in the March international window with a crucial clash against Guyana on March 4.
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