Hosts Guatemala beat Honduras 2-1 today to make a winning start to the inaugural IBSA Blind Football Central American Championships ©IBSA

Hosts Guatemala beat Honduras 2-1 today to make a winning start to the inaugural International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Blind Football Central American Championships.

Two goals from Jorge Rodas proved to be enough for the home nation in the opening match of the tournament in Guatemala City.

Honduras pulled one back through Fredy Oliva’s late strike, but it was ultimately in vain.

In today’s other match, Costa Rica thrashed Nicaragua 7-1 to move to the top of the table on goal difference.

Daniel Contreras and Esteban Chavez both scored hat-tricks, while Ángel Flores also got his name on the scoresheet.

Eligio Antonio Olivas Zavala was on target to score Nicaragua’s consolation goal.

Costa Rica comfortably overcame Nicaragua 7-1 ©IBSA
Costa Rica comfortably overcame Nicaragua 7-1 ©IBSA

Action in Guatemala is due to continue tomorrow with a further three matches.

El Salvador face Honduras before Guatemala meet Costa Rica.

Nicaragua then go up against El Salvador.

The IBSA Blind Football Central American Championships are being hosted by the Guatemalan Committee for the Blind and Deaf.

They form part of IBSA’s Central American Blind Football Development Project, utilising support from the International Paralympic Committee to develop and spread the game to the region.

The winners of the tournament will qualify for the 2018 IBSA Blind Football World Championships, scheduled to take place in Spain’s capital Madrid from June 5 to 18.