Teenager Alphonso Davies scores twice, Canada opens Gold Cup with 4-2 win

Jakovic was largely unaware that he had given Canada the lead when an Arfield free kick hit his ribcage and deflected into the goal in the 28th minute.

Arfield, however, knew exactly what he was doing when he picked up a loose ball that had deflected off a French Guiana player and put away a tidy finish from just outside the 18-yard box before halftime.

The 16-year-old Davies, who only recently acquired his Canadian citizenship and has impressed with the Vancouver Whitecaps this season, was played in all alone in the 60th minute and showed a lot of poise to convert his breakaway.

Things got nervous about 10 minutes later when, suddenly, it was a one-goal game. First, Contout headed in a corner kick and then Privat scored from close-range in the 71st.

But nerves were settled with five minutes remaining when Anthony Jackson-Hamel of the Montreal Impact found Davies open on the left side. Davies had the time and showed plenty of maturity to pick his spot and score with a low shot.

Canada travels to Houston to play Costa Rica on Tuesday at BBVA Compass arena. The Canadians finish the group stage next Friday in Frisco, Tex., against Honduras.

Gavin Day, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Teenager Alphonso Davies scores twice, Canada opens Gold Cup with 4-2 win

Our Community