Photo: Toronto defender Doneil Henry (back row, far left) was team captain (CanadaSoccer.com).

Canada suffered a narrow loss to 2:1 loss to Cuba in the opening game of the 2013 CONCACAF U-20 Championship on 18 February at the Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla, Mexico.

Cuban striker Maykel Reyes pounced twice in eight minutes to put his side two goals ahead in the second half.

Canadian substitute Stefan Vukovic answered back with a 90th minute goal but it wasn't enough to claw back the two-goal deficit.

"We simply need to stay positive as there is a lot of football left to play at this tournament," said Head Coach Nick Dasovic after the match.

"We will assess the performance and ensure that we are prepared to get the necessary result in our next game."

Canada will take on Nicaragua in its second of two group-stage matches on Friday 22 February. Cuba and Nicaragua will square off on Wednesday 20 February in the other remaining match in Group B.

The top two teams from the pool will advance to the all-important quarter-final stage that will determine the four CONCACAF nations that will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey in June.