Menzo confident about reaching Gold Cup quarterfinals

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Menzo confident about reaching Gold Cup quarterfinals

Apr 20, 2025

By: Rakesh Parag

PARAMARIBO –National team coach Stanley Menzo is optimistic about Suriname’s chances of advancing to the next round of the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup. Suriname has been placed in Group A alongside Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic.

Overall, Menzo describes the draw as tough. “In my view, it’s a difficult draw, but it’s not something you can control,” he says. “So, you have to deal with it, but these are exciting matches in their own right.” Menzo adds that Mexico and Costa Rica are familiar opponents for Suriname, while the Dominican Republic remains an unknown quantity.

Menzo considers Mexico the favorite to top the group. Mexico is also the defending champion. “Mexico will be a huge challenge for us.” El Tri had won the final against Panama 1-0. Menzo further explains that, under normal circumstances, Costa Rica would be expected to finish second. “We’ve already shown we can hold our own against Costa Rica, so who knows. That’s how I see it right now,” he says.

“Costa Rica will also be a tough opponent. But we’ve already proven that we can stand up to them. As for the Dominican Republic, the challenge lies in the fact that we don’t know them. We don’t know how strong they are right now, so that will be a surprise,” Menzo adds.

Dion Malone, who captained Suriname in the last two internationals due to the absence of Stefano Denswil, is even more optimistic about the draw. “I watched it back. A tough group,” says the Karmiotissa (Cyprus) player. “But when you enter a tournament like this, you know you’re going to play strong nations. That’s just exciting for us. A great challenge. Mexico is obviously very strong. They showed that recently in the Nations League. We played Costa Rica last time in Suriname and it was an even match. I can’t say much about the Dominican Republic, but I expect we have a better team and are further along in our development. The other two are definitely tough opponents.”