Trinidad and Tobago kick off Gold Cup with Guatemala win

Trinidad and Tobago have kicked off their CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Guatemala at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Only 11 minutes elapsed before Stephen Hart's side edged ahead in the contest, as Khaleem Hyland's teasing cross was poked home by Sheldon Bateau.

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Their fast and furious start got even better three minutes later when Cordell Cato found the bottom right corner from close range to put his side firmly in control.

Talisman Kenwyne Jones missed a chance to add a third midway through the half, but his blushes were spared by Joevin Jones - who plies his trade in the Windy City with Chicago Fire - moments later as he struck a killer blow.

Ivan Franco Sopegno's side, who are ranked 93rd in the world, failed to register a single shot on goal in the first half.

Despite their shot-shy opening 45 minutes, Guatemala emerged from the break reinvigorated and reduced the arrears on 62 minutes.

Carlos Ruiz found himself unmarked in the area before latching on to Minor Lopez's cushioned header, and the striker made no mistake in beating Jan Michael Williams.

Nevertheless, Trinidad and Tobago came back stronger and Kenwyne Jones and Willis Plaza both went close to restoring the three-goal cushion, but failed to find the target.