On March 25, 2025, at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, the national football team demonstrated their prowess by defeating Bermudas 2-0 in the second leg of the Copa Oro 2025 qualifier. This victory secured Honduras a spot in the upcoming Copa Oro 2025, with an aggregate score of 7-3 over the two-legged playoff.
The match began with Honduras holding a comfortable lead from the first leg, where they had earlier triumphed 5-3. With their previous win as momentum, the team, led by coach Reinaldo Rueda, entered the field determined to seal their qualification. As the match unfolded, the home side quickly showcased their attacking capabilities, with Luis Palma and Jorge Benguché shining in their performances.
In the 53rd minute, Benguché put Honduras on the scoreboard first with a powerful header from an Andy Najar cross, raising the aggregate tally to 6-3. Just minutes later, Luis Palma followed suit, scoring the second goal of the match through a well-placed shot after receiving an assist from Kervin Arriaga in the 57th minute. This solidified the Honduran lead and put them in a commanding position to advance in the tournament.
Despite a strong start to the second half, the match was not without its challenges for Honduras. Notably, Romell Quioto had to exit the game due to muscle discomfort, a concern for the Honduran squad as they seek to maintain their form leading into the Copa Oro. Additionally, a collision between Dale Eve, the Bermudian goalkeeper, and Jorge Benguché raised questions regarding the physicality of the match; however, both players were able to continue after medical evaluations.
Throughout the match, Honduras exhibited more control, maintaining possession of the ball and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Notably, a fierce shot from Palma in the 50th minute ricocheted off the post, while another focused attempt from Carlos Mejía in the 81st minute also struck the woodwork, showcasing the home side's dominance in offense.
Bermudas, facing a tough uphill battle after their first leg loss, struggled to create genuine threats against the Honduran defense. Despite some substitutions aimed at increasing their attack—like the introduction of players such as Aundè Todd and Willie Clemons—they could not capitalize on any chances throughout the match. In the latter stages, the Bermudian side attempted to mount pressure, but it was too little too late.
The game saw some disciplinary action, with Willie Clemons receiving a yellow card in the 90th minute for a foul on Carlos Mejía. However, Honduras's disciplined play and strategic ball control left Bermudas with few opportunities to disrupt their rhythm.
By the end of the match, the scoreboard reflected a clear 2-0 victory for Honduras, finalizing the aggregate to 7-3. With this win, Honduras not only qualified for the Copa Oro 2025 but also showcased their resilience and tactical gameplay, setting them up as a formidable contender in the tournament.
The road to the Copa Oro has not been without its strains for Honduras. Earlier in the competition, they faced disappointment against Mexico in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League, leading them to enter this repechage scenario. Now, with a successful qualification behind them, hopes are high as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the premier tournament of the region.
The Copa Oro is set to take place in summer 2025, gathering the best talent from across the Concacaf region. As this tournament approaches, fans and players alike await the draw scheduled for April, which will determine the group stage and layout of the competition.
Honduras's journey continues as they look to make an impact at the Copa Oro, and their latest performance against Bermudas serves as a testament to their potential. This new chapter promises to be exciting, as 'La H' advances on the international stage.
