Despite 5 players out for suspected doping, Mexico hit 5 against Cuba.

Five of their players have tested positive for a banned substance and have been withdrawn from their national team's squad.

Francisco Javier Rodriguez, Antonio Naelson, Christian Bermudez, Edgar Duenas, and Guillermo Ochoa have all been found to have Clenbuterol in their systems. The drug treats breathing disorders and is a regularly-used drug by dopers.

The players face being banned for a year if they cannot prove that the substance was taken accidentally. This is a bad news for the Mexico's goalkeeper who is likely to move to France next season.

The Mexican federation state that that the players consumed chicken that was tainted with the drug and will request that the team be allowed to field replacement players for the rest of the Gold Cup.


Even though Mexico were under-staffed, it still managed to earn a 5-0 win against Cuba in Thursday's Gold Cup match. Javier Hernandez and Giovani Dos Santos had a brace apiece for El Tri, who gained a two-point lead in Group A.

With the five player out and the loss of injured defender Ricardo Osorio, coach Jose Manuel De La Torre had just 17 players available. However, the five-time Gold Cup winners took an early lead and had little pressure throughout the match.

Manchester United Hernandez scored Mexico the first goal after 36min and took a deserved lead into the half-time break.

In the second half, Mexico dictated the flow of play well and got a second goal through Dos Santos, who converted from Pablo Barrera's set-up in the 63rd minute. Moments later, Hernandez set up Jesus Guajardo for a third goal, and in the 68th minute, Dos Santos completed his brace.

Eight minutes later, Hernandez grabbed his second goal of the game, rounding off a comfortable win. El Tri did well to close out their victory, and Cuba saw little of the ball and barely had a sniff at goal as they succumbed to defeat.

The result sees Mexico move two points clear of Costa Rica and will need just a draw to secure first place in Group A.Following two consecutive losses, Cuba remain fourth are is confirmed out of the tournament.