Cuba host Nicaragua at the Estadio Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba on Tuesday at the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League, looking to pick up their first win of the campaign. Ranked 167th in the world, the Lions of the Caribbean were held in a 0-0 draw with Jamaica on matchday one last week.
The side were completely dominated by their hosts, who boasted 73% possession and mustered 21 shots, of which seven were on target.
But Yunielys Castillo's side held firm to force a share of the spoils and earn a valuable point which kept them in fourth place of Group B. Their next opponents are in second place, having beaten French Guiana at the last minute.
Widman Talavera struck the winner for the side in the fifth added minute to sink their hosts and secure a smash-and-grab victory. With three points in the bag, Los Pinoleros are in second place in their group table.
Another win here would boost their chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League.
Cuba vs Nicaragua Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- There have been 13 clashes between the sides in history, with Cuba winning seven times over Nicaragua and losing on just three occasions.
- The Lions of the Caribbean have won three of their last four games in this fixture, including a slender 1-0 victory in March this year when they met for a friendly game.
- Los Pinoleros have won their last three official games, scoring nine goals and conceding just once.
- In their last five games, excluding the 3-0 win awarded by FIFA for the Cayman Islands forfeiting their clash, the Lions of the Caribbeans have won just once, which ironically came against their upcoming opponents.
- Nicaragua are ranked 130th in the world while their rivals are 37 places below them, according to the latest FIFA World Rankings.
Cuba vs Nicaragua Prediction
The Lions of the Caribbean have a good record in this fixture which gives them the psychological edge, but Los Pinoleros are coming into the clash on the back of a good run of form. They've won their last three official games while looking solid defensively. But since their hosts also can be a tough side to break down, this one could end in a low-scoring draw.
Prediction: Cuba 1-1 Nicaragua
Cuba vs Nicaragua Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes