Belize Powers Past Guatemala, Keeps Final Hopes Alive

 

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, October 17, 2026.– Belize earned a convincing straight-set victory over Guatemala 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-18) in the fifth match of the round-robin stage of the 2026 AFECAVOL Women’s Central American Final Four Championship, keeping its hopes of competing for the gold medal alive.

 

Led by Fatoumata Camara’s 19 points and a decisive blocking performance, Belize now awaits the outcome of the match between Costa Rica and Nicaragua to determine whether it will advance to the tournament final.

 

Head coach Lawrence Bennett’s squad regained the form it displayed in its opening match, relying on effective blocking, stronger defense and a significant reduction in errors. Belize committed just 14 unforced errors compared to Guatemala’s 22, while its improved defensive performance allowed the team to organize its counterattacks, one of its greatest strengths.

 

Statistically, Belize recorded 40 attack points, nine blocks and four aces, compared to Guatemala’s 34 attacks, five blocks and seven aces.

 

Fatoumata Camara led Belize’s offense with 19 points, including 18 kills and one ace. Captain Nelissa Ramírez contributed 15 points, while Clara Sabal added eight. For Guatemala, Andrea Mendizábal and María Santa Cruz were the leading scorers with 10 points each.

 

ÁLBUM DE FOTOS – FLICKR

 

Lawrence Bennett, Belize head coach: “It was a good 3-0 victory, and an important one. We came out with the same fire we had on the first night. I love seeing how the girls responded after yesterday, but that’s what good teams do. They always bounce back and play their best. For me, the difference today was spectacular, especially in blocking. Every time we play Guatemala, they bring out the best in us.”

 

Nelissa Ramírez, Belize captain: “I’m very happy. We dominated Guatemala comfortably. We fought really hard and made fewer unforced errors. Now we have to wait for the other match, but reaching the final is possible. We have to wait for the Costa Rica-Nicaragua match. Costa Rica needs to beat Nicaragua for us to move into second place and play for gold tomorrow.”

 

Ivana Sopegno, Guatemala captain: “I feel that we’re going through moments when we lose concentration, and that’s when we struggle a little. But since this is a new team, we need to start playing together, building chemistry and adapting to one another. Tomorrow, we’re going to give it everything we have. Some players who came from the United States weren’t able to train with us, while the rest of us have been training since January. This team has a lot of potential for the future.”