Posted by

Harjeet Johal ,

April 29, 2016 Twitter

@HarJournalist

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VANCOUVER, B.C. - TCanada is looking to make it to the hexagonal stage of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying and an eventual spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Canada's last appearance in the Hex was back in 1997. Canada currently sits in third place in Group A with 4 points. Honduras also had 4 points, but has a better goal-differential. Canada will be looking to change that when the two teams meet in San Pedro Sula on September 2. Canada's final home match will take place on September 6 vs El Salvador at BC Place. The Reds will be looking to make it to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Canadian striker Tesho Akindele is full of confidence and has offered a reassuring look into the future. "If I had to predict, I'd say we'll make it to the hex." Going up against Honduras is always a challenge. During 2014 World Cup Qualifying, Canada went to San Pedro Sula only needing a win or a draw to make it to the Hex. Unfortunately, Canada was pummelled 8-1 by Honduras. Canada will be looking for a much better result this time around as they look forward. "I think it's going to be tough," said Akindele. "Last time Canada was there, the result wasn't too good, but I think everybody's put that in the back of their minds. I think we're ready to go, I think we'll get a result down there. The past is the past. We're a completely new team, we have a lot of new young guys. I don't think that will affect us at all." Canada has had an unprecedented wave of new players joining the national team during the qualification process. Junior Hoilett, Scott Arfield, Fraser Aird, Steven Vittoria, and Akindele all had the option to represent other national teams. They decided to play for Canada, and it's been a big boost to the team. Players are still working together, building chemistry and learning tactics, but it's a positive step. "Yes, it's definitely gelling," Akindele revealed. "I think we're even still improving the more we play together. We have a lot of good players, especially offensively. I think we'll start scoring more goals soon."



The FC Dallas striker has scored three goals this season in eight appearances. He had a three match goal-scoring streak to start the month of April. FC Dallas Manager Oscar Pareja is proud of the way Akindele has performed this season and he sees nothing but good things for him with the Canadian national team "Tesho's done an incredible job for us," said Pareja. "I think he's getting mature as the games come. The participation for him has been more frequently lately, especially when we had Mauro Diaz out with an injury. He's done a tremendous job. I think the Canadians should be very proud about his job. I can see a full national team player. He has a lot of responsibility and his future is bright." If Akindele and Orlando City striker, 2015 MLS Rookie of The Year man, Cyle Larin can find form with their club teams, why haven't they been able to fill the net on the international stage? This question has long puzzled Canada's supporters. It's not as easy as it looks. The other team is actually trying to stop them from scoring. You also have to take in pitch conditions, tactics, formations, health, and all sorts. "Yeah, I don't know," said Akindele. "I think it's just something that comes with time and the chemistry. The more we play together and with other teammates, I think we'll be able to produce more." Canadian fans will be hoping they will produce more goals against Honduras and in that all important final Group A match against El Salvador. The top two teams from Group A will qualify for the Hex. Mexico had already clinched top spot. Akindele knows how important these final two matches are, especially El Salvador. "I think that's a must win game for us, definitely."



