(Reuters) - Haiti were the fortuitous beneficiaries of two deflected first half goals then produced a solid second half defensive effort to beat Nicaragua 2-0 at the Gold Cup in Texas on Thursday.
Despite Nicaragua controlling possession for most of the game, Haiti got on the board in the 22nd minute when Steeven Saba's long-range shot deflected off a defender past Nicaraguan goalkeeper Henry Maradiaga.
Haiti doubled the advantage 12 minutes later when Nicaraguan defender Manuel Rosas deflected the ball into his own net for an own goal on a scorching hot day in Frisco.
The Haitians are unbeaten in Group B. Second-placed Costa Rica face Bermuda later on Thursday.
Haiti and Costa Rica meet in New Jersey on Monday.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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