Quintero on target as Colombia beat Honduras

FORT LAUDERDALE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) — Juan Fernando Quintero struck a sublime first-half goal as Colombia beat Honduras 2-1 in their international friendly here on Sunday.

Quintero, who is without a club after parting ways with Chinese Super League side Shenzhen FC, timed his run to perfection to meet a Harold Preciado cross with a first-time volley that flew into the top-right corner.

Kervin Arriaga equalized for the Central American team by converting a penalty just after halftime before Andres Colorado bundled home from close range in the 67th minute.

Colombia’s victory was soured by a leg muscle injury to Quintero, who limped off the pitch just before halftime at DRV PNK stadium.

Both teams used the fixture as a warmup for the next installment of 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Honduras, who are last in the North, Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF) group, will host Canada and El Salvador on January 27 and 30 before an away qualifier against the United States on February 2.

Colombia, fourth in the South American zone qualifying tournament, will meet Peru in Barranquilla on January 28 and Argentina in Buenos Aires on February 1.