It was only the second time in 21 meetings against El Salvador that Nicaragua has not lost to its Central America neighbor. While Nicaragua's best finish was fifth four years ago, El Salvador has finished third in the Copa de Naciones Digicel de UNCAF on four occasions. El Salvador also has advanced to the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the World Cup which begins February 11.
Marlon Medina scored the equalizer for Nicaragua, settling a free kick in front of goal before shooting low to the right past goalkeeper Miguel Montes. Nicaragua had a fair amount of possession in the game, aided after the 25th minute when Salvador's Shawn Martin was sent off for a second yellow card.
In the late game of the opening doubleheader, host Honduras overcame an early missed penalty by Amado Guevara and prevailed over Belize 2-1.
Nicaragua has drawn only one other game against El Salvador, 0-0 in a 1986 frienldy, according to FIFA records, and has been outscored 90-16 in games dating back to 1941.
The Pinoleros fell behind in the 18th minute on an own-goal when Carlos Ayala's shot from the top of the penalty area struck Silvio Aviles, deflected high and over goalkeeper Denis Espinoza.
Nicaragua is seeking to match its best finish of fifth in 2005, a performance that would earn the Pinoleros their first trip to the CONCACAF Gold Cup later this year.
In the late game, Honduras won despite Guevara missing a penalty in the 25th minute and getting expelled in second-half injury time.
Carlos Pavon, making his return to the national team after 16 months, won the penalty, drawing a foul from Shannon Flowers. However, Guevara pulled the ensuing spot kick just wide of the left post.
Guevara got a second chance seven minutes later when Harrison Roaches tripped Mario Guerrero as he crossed into the area. This time Guevara shot to the same side, but was able to tuck the ball inside the left post past goalkeeper Woodrow West.
Pavon also had a hand in Honduras' second goal, setting up Walter Martinez in the 61st minute. Lisbey Castillo scored in the 86th for Belize, which has never advanced past the first round of the Central American championship.
Honduras will have to play its next match against Nicaragua on Saturday without Guevara, who received his first yellow card just before halftime and then was issued a second just before the final whistle.
The results put Honduras atop Group A with a second round of matches Saturday. Three-team Group B was to begin play Friday night with three-time defending champion Costa Rica facing Panama.
