In a thrilling encounter at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Guatemala secured a 3-2 victory over Guadeloupe in Group C of the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025. While Guatemala advanced to the knockout stage, Guadeloupe exited the tournament despite a spirited fightback, highlighted by a stunning goal from Matthias Phaeton.
Guatemala started strong, with Jose Pinto converting a penalty in the 13th minute after a foul in the box. Olger Escobar extended their lead in the 29th minute, finishing off a well-coordinated attack to make it 2-0. Guatemala appeared to be cruising to a comfortable victory at halftime.
However, Guadeloupe showed resilience in the second half. Ange-Freddy Plumain pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 50th minute, injecting hope into the Guadeloupean side. Guatemala responded in the 70th minute when Rubio Rubin chested down a cross from Rudy Munoz and guided the ball into the net, restoring their two-goal advantage.
Just when it seemed Guatemala had sealed the win, Matthias Phaeton delivered a moment of brilliance in the 78th minute. He surged into the box and unleashed a powerful shot that rocketed into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. This stunning goal reduced the deficit to 3-2 and set up a tense finish to the match.
Despite the late pressure from Guadeloupe, Guatemala managed to hold on for the win. The victory, coupled with Jamaica's loss to Panama, secured Guatemala's place in the next round.
The match was the third Gold Cup meeting between Guatemala and Guadeloupe. In their previous encounters, Guatemala had the edge with one win and one draw. In the 2021 Gold Cup Prelims, the teams drew 1-1, with Guadeloupe winning on penalties. Guatemala avenged that loss with a 3-2 victory in the 2023 Group Stage.
Matthias Phaeton, who plays as a forward for CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria, has a history of scoring against Guatemala, having also found the net in their 2021 encounter. The 25-year-old, who also has represented Guadeloupe at the international level since debuting in 2021, previously represented France at the youth level.
Guadeloupe, coached by Jocelyn Angloma, showed determination despite conceding seven goals in their previous two losses to Panama and Jamaica. While Thierry Ambrose and Jordan Leborgne also found the net in the tournament, it was Phaeton's memorable goal against Guatemala that stood out.
Ultimately, Guatemala's early goals and defensive resilience proved enough to secure the win and advancement to the knockout stage, while Guadeloupe's Gold Cup campaign came to an end.
