Honduras salvaged a 2-2 draw against Mexico during their match at the Estadio Olimpico on Friday leaving the defending Gold Cup champions with two points in CONCACAF’s World Cup qualifying Hexagonal round.
Manchester United star Javier ‘Chicharito’ scored twice for El Tri who appeared destined for their first win in Honduras in nearly two decades. But Honduras duo Carlo Costly and Jerry Bengtson both scored in the second half to give the Central American side a thrilling draw.
Hernandez put Mexico on the board in the 28th minute as El Tri stormed to a promising start in the first half as the forward headed home Andrés Guardado's service from the left flank. The United hitman would later find the net again in the 54th minute from a set piece delivery from international stalwart Carlos Salcido.
However, the two goal lead was not enough for the CONCACAF giants at San Pedro Sula. Though the Hondurans let chances slip for majority of the match, Los Catrachos capitalized on the 77th minute following Costly's header during a rare second half corner kick.
Three minutes later, referee Courtney Campbell awared Honduras a penalty kick following a rough challenge from Maza Rodriguez on Costly. Though Bengtson had his penalty shot saved by Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, the New England Revolution forward would eventually convert his rebound opportunity to level the score against Mexico.
Mexico will host the United States in Mexico City on Tuesday. Honduras will travel to Panama on March 26 for their next Hexagonal match.
------
Lineups:
Honduras: Noel Valladares; Emilio Izaguirre, Victor Bernardez, Maynor Figueroa, Arnold Peralta; Mario Martinez, Roger Espinoza, Luis Garrido, Boniek Garcia; Carlo Costly, Jerry Bengtson
Mexico: Guillermo Ochoa; Jorge Torres Nilo, Hector Moreno, Francisco Rodriguez, Severo Meza; Carlos Salcido, Jesus Zavala; Andres Guardado, Giovano dos Santos, Javier Aquino; Javier Hernandez
