Canadian men score late to down Suriname in CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal

It took a while but Canada proved too much for Suriname on Friday.

Substitute Junior Hoilett's 82nd-minute goal the difference as the Canadians emerged with a 1-0 win in the opening leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The teams meet again Tuesday at Toronto's BMO Field.

Canada dominated play, outshooting No. 136 Suriname 13-2 (5-0 in shots on target) with 67 per cent possession and a 7-1 edge in corners.

But goals remain elusive with Canada unable to convert two gilt-edged chances in the first half. The 35th-ranked Canadians have nine goals in 12 games under coach Jesse Marsch.

"It's a little bit the story of our team because we don't find a way to get that goal in the first half with some big chances, the game is in the balance. And then we have to put a lot of energy into it," said Marsch. "And it doesn't put us in the position that we want in the series but it's a tough place to play down here."

The breakthrough came after captain Stephen Eustaquio won the ball back and found Jonathan David in the corner of the penalty box with a perfectly lofted long ball. David paused, then found Hoilett streaking toward goal and the 34-year-old deflected the ball past Suriname goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen for his 16th Canada goal.

"His savviness and understanding on how to break plays in the last third is why we brought him," Marsch said of Hoilett.

WATCH | Canada beats Suriname with Hoilett's late goal:

Canada beats Suriname with late goal in CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal opener

The 18th-ranked U.S. and No. 39 Panama won their opening leg matches Thursday with 1-0 decisions at No. 61 Jamaica and No. 50 Costa Rica, respectively.

No. 77 Honduras upset No. 16 Mexico 2-0 in a later start