PANAMA CITY – Club Atlético Independiente defeated Port Layola FC 1-nil in the 2024 Central American Cup on Wednesday at the Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City, Panama.
CAI claimed its first win of the campaign to pick up its first three points in Group C. With the win, the Panamanian side extended its unbeaten record at home to five in the tournament.
David Contreras had an opportunity on goal for the home side in the 18’, striking a right-footed shot from outside the box, to force a save from Port Layola goalkeeper Oscar Palomino.
The match entered a weather delay in the 51’. Once safe to resume, both teams picked up the intensity to generate additional opportunities to attack for the remainder of the second half.
Aimar Modelo gave CAI the lead in the 84’ with a right-footed finish inside the box, aimed at the near post, to open the scoring.
Ian Gaynair came close to finding the equalizer for the visitors just two four minutes later, but his attempt inside the box was just wide to hit the outside netting.
Despite having one game remaining, CAI is left without chances to advance to the knockout round. The Panamanian club will close out its participation against CD Águila on August 29 in Panama City. ¡
Port Layola, meanwhile, concluded its historic first participation in the Central American Cup after playing its fourth and final group stage fixture.
