Curacao vs Nicaragua: CONCACAF Nations League Match Preview, Team News, and Prediction

Curacao will look to make it two wins from two in CONCACAF Nations League A when they face Nicaragua at Stadion Ergilio Hato on Sunday. Dick Advocaat’s side opened their campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Costa Rica, while Nicaragua suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Dominican Republic.

The Blue Wave returned to continental duty with renewed confidence after their historic World Cup debut, even though they were eliminated at the group stage. That experience appears to have sharpened their attacking edge, as shown in Friday’s win. Orlando Sinclair opened the scoring in the third minute, and Carlos Mora added a brace before halftime. If Curacao can reproduce that intensity, they will be strong favourites against a Nicaragua side struggling for form.

However, consistency remains a concern for the hosts. Friday’s victory was only their second since November 2025, a run of nine matches that includes five defeats and two draws. On the positive side, Curacao have been formidable at home, losing only once since October 2023. They also hold a significant FIFA ranking advantage, sitting 82nd compared to Nicaragua’s 131st.

Nicaragua’s task looks difficult. Juan Cruz Real’s side were beaten 3-2 by Dominican Republic on Friday, falling two goals behind within the first 15 minutes. They fought back to 2-2 through a late equaliser from Byron Bonilla, only for Pablo Rosario to snatch a winner in the 97th minute. That defeat extended their poor run to four losses in their last five matches, with the only bright spot a 0-0 draw with South Africa in May.

Away form is a particular concern for the Blue and White. They have lost seven of their last eight matches on the road, and have not won away since September 2024. That record, combined with Curacao’s home strength, suggests the visitors face an uphill battle.

Team News

Curacao will be without NEC Nijmegen centre-back Deveron Fonville, who is sidelined with an ankle injury suffered earlier this month. Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo and Sherel Floranus are expected to form the defensive trio. Wing-backs Shurandy Sambo and Jearl Margaritha should continue, with Arjany Martha, Leandro Bacuna and Livano Comenencia in midfield. Up front, Jurgen Locadia and Juninho Bacuna are set to lead the line again.

Nicaragua are likely to start Jaime Moreno as the central striker, with Raheem Cole and 18-year-old Efrain Mejia supporting from wide areas. In defence, Justing Cano, Marvin Fletes and Juan Perez are expected to operate in front of goalkeeper Jason Vega.

Key facts

Prediction

Curacao showed attacking intent from the first whistle against Costa Rica, and could repeat that approach on Sunday. Nicaragua have shown defensive vulnerability, particularly in the opening stages of matches, and may struggle to contain the hosts. The form and ranking gap, combined with home advantage, points to a Curacao victory.

A 2-0 or 3-1 scoreline looks plausible, with Curacao likely to take control early. Nicaragua may find a consolation goal, but it is hard to see them avoiding defeat given their away record and recent results.

What this means for readers

For fans following CONCACAF Nations League A, this match is an early test of Curacao’s credentials as a potential group contender. A win would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages. For Nicaragua, the pressure is already mounting after one defeat, and another loss would leave their campaign in serious trouble.

Source: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/curacao/preview/curacao-vs-nicaragua-prediction-team-news-lineups_605805.html