CARTAGO – Jostin Daly scored a late goal to salvage a 1-1 draw for Costa Rican side Cartagines against Comunicaciones of Guatemala in the first leg of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup Play-In on Tuesday night at the Estadio Jose Rafael Fello Meza in Cartago, Costa Rica.
It was an even initial 25 minutes from the two sides, however a moment of genius tilted the series to Comunicaciones, as Cartagines failed to clear a corner kick and Gerardo Gordillo skillfully fired in a bicycle kick for a 1-0 Comunicaciones lead in the 26’.
Cartagines were eager to get back on level terms as soon as possible, but FW Marcel Hernandez and the rest of the Cartagines attack were held in check by Comunicaciones GK Fredy Perez and his back line.
The home side kept at it, but the Comunicaciones defense was unflappable helped by the terrific goalkeeping of Perez, who made back-to-back saves in the 76’ from Daly and Allen Guevara to keep his side in front.
But Cartagines never threw in the towel, and in the final stages of the contest in the 83’ they would pick up the precious equalizer, with Daly taking a cross from the right wing and guiding a header into net to complete the 1-1 scoreline.
The two sides will meet again next week in Guatemala City, with the winner claiming a berth in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.
