• International friendly – Curacao 1 (Janga 41’), Canada 2 (James 43’, Jackson-Hamel 86’)

• Canada wins in Zambrano’s first match as coach

• Alphonso Davies, Raheem Edwards make their debuts



MONTREAL – Octavio Zambrano has a rather large task on his hands in trying to turn around the fortunes of the Canadian men’s soccer team.

That point was underscored during Tuesday night’s friendly against Curacao, with the Reds having to come from behind to earn a 2-1 win in Zambrano’s first match in charge as coach since being appointed in March.

Montreal Impact forward Anthony Jackson-Hamel scored the winner in the 86th minute against Curacao, an island smaller than Montreal with a population under 160,000 and located off the coast of Venezuela. It was a well-deserved win by Canada, but it was hard fought and laboured, with unheralded Curacao playing the hosts tight for most of the contest.

A sparse crowd of only 6,026 showed up at Stade Saputo on a perfect summer night in Montreal, more evidence of the work that lies ahead for Zambrano to make this Canadian team become relevant. That reality is not lost on the veteran Ecuadorian coach.

“We are at the beginning of a process, and this victory gives us more confidence. … For myself, it’s a first win and defending the colours of Canada means a lot to me. But we immediately have to be thinking about the next challenge,” Zambrano told reporters after the game.

When he took over the reins back in March, Zambrano publically stated his goal was to help Canada, currently 109th in the FIFA world rankings, become a dangerous attacking side. He only had the players in camp for about a week before Tuesday’s game, so it was hardly a surprise that they didn’t automatically gel. That will come with time, Zambrano promised.

“We will get that consistency as the days go by and as the players begin to understand what we’re trying to do. I saw glimpses of it [tonight] – quick play, changing the point of attack, being aggressive and looking for the ball. I can’t say I’m completely pleased about everything, but you can’t ask for more at this stage,” Zambrano offered.

Toronto FC’s Raheem Edwards started in his debut for Canada, while Impact veteran Patrice Bernier, the most experienced member of the team with 54 caps, wore the captain’s armband. Alphonso Davies, a 16-year-old forward with the Vancouver Whitecaps, made his national team debut when he replaced Edwards early in the second half. Mark-Anthony Kaye and Juan Cordova also earned their first caps for Canada.

Zambrano was encouraged by the displays of his debuting youngsters, and feels the inexperienced Davies has a bright future both for club and country.

“Youth really has nothing to do with it in terms of how much you can contribute on the field. I thought [Davies] came in and made a big difference,” Zambrano said.

Zambrano later added: “There is no fear factor with him. He’s a seasoned player even though he’s young. He has some incredible tools. … He has an immense career ahead of him. We’re just seeing the beginning of what he can give us.”

It was an emotional night for Davies, who only became a Canadian citizen last week. Davies was born in a refugee camp in Ghana to Liberian parents fleeing the civil war. He and his family came to Canada when he was five years old but he couldn’t play for Canada until he earned his citizenship.

“It means a lot playing for Canada. I’m very happy and really grateful that I could get this opportunity,” Davies said.

The opening half was pretty poor from Canada, who struggled to break down Curacao and put together stretches of quality build-up play. Striker Cyle Larin looked far too isolated at times as he was denied service from his midfield.

The visitors used a high-pressing style and counter-attacking game to unbalance Canada, forcing them into making sloppy mistakes at the back. One defensive miscue midway through the half led to a chance falling to Jarchinio Antonia who shot wide of the far post while having a clear look on goal.

It proved to be only a brief reprieve. Gevaro Nepomuceno wasn’t properly closed down and was allowed to cross into the middle of the box for Rangelo Janga who had all kinds of room. The Curacao midfielder took full advantage of the Canadian defenders’ ball watching and hammered his shot past goalkeeper Milan Borjan.

To its credit, Canada immediately responded. Goalkeeper Eloy Room mishandled a cross played into the box, and Canadian defender Manjrekar James pounced on the error before firing it home just before halftime.

Canada’s attack came alive in the second half and it began to dictate the pace of the match, buoyed by the introduction of Davies. Junior Hoilett and Bernier worked the ball down the right side before playing Larin in on goal. The chance went begging, but it was a sign of things to come. Minutes later, Jackson-Hamel, who subbed in for Larin, forced a save from Room with a hard blast from the edge of the penalty area.

Davies earned a penalty late in the game after being hacked down from behind as he charged into the penalty area. Hoilett’s attempt from the spot hit the post, but Canada quickly won the ball back and Jackson-Hamel’s shot from distance skipped past the Curacao goalkeeper.

NOTES: Tuesday’s tilt was Canada’s only tune-up match before this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup where it will play group-stage games versus French Guiana (July 7 in Harrison, New Jersey), Costa Rica (July 11 in Houston) and Honduras (July 14 in Frisco, Texas)… After the Gold Cup, Canada will host Jamaica on Sept. 2 at Toronto’s BMO Field in an international friendly. Former national men’s team stalwart Paul Stalteri will be honoured as a member of the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame during the game.