Honduras Stages Stunning Comeback to Defeat Bermuda 5-3

HAMILTON, Bermuda — In a thrilling Gold Cup qualifier on March 21, 2025, Honduras rallied from a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 5-3 victory over Bermuda at the National Sports Centre.

Honduras, ranked 75th in FIFA rankings, entered the match seeking redemption after suffering a recent defeat to Guatemala. Led by coach Reinaldo Rueda, the team initially struggled against Bermuda’s solid defense, which allowed the home side to capitalize and take a 2-0 lead into halftime.

Coach Michael Findlay’s Bermuda team started strong, scoring early through Kane and then further extending their lead through a powerful strike before the break. “We knew we had to set the tone early, and we did just that,” Findlay said post-match.

However, what transpired in the second half was a showcase of Honduras’s resilience and tactical execution. Just minutes after the restart, Romell Quioto netted the visitors’ first goal, reigniting their hopes. Quioto expressed his determination, stating, “We never lost faith in ourselves, even being two goals down. We fought back hard, and it paid off.”

Honduras equalized shortly after with a clinical finish from Luis Palma, setting the stage for a fervent comeback. The momentum shifted as Honduras began to dominate possession and press aggressively, forcing Bermuda onto the back foot.

By the 85th minute, Quioto completed his brace, putting Honduras ahead 4-3, while Barrow’s late game goal sealed the match with a final score of 5-3. “The second half was all about adjustments. We came out fired up and made the most of our chances,” Rueda noted after the match.

Despite the loss, Bermuda’s coach reflected on the need for growth: “Football can be unpredictable. Today was a painful lesson but an important one for our development as a team.”

The result is crucial for Honduras in their quest to advance in the qualifiers, while Bermuda, currently ranked 166th, will need to regroup before the return leg on March 25, 2025.

As the teams prepare for the next match, the stakes remain high: only one team can secure a spot in the 2025 Gold Cup. The excitement ahead promises to elevate the competitive nature of this qualifying campaign.