PANAMA CITY – Panamanian side Independiente secured a crucial 2-1 win over Real Esteli of Nicaragua in Group B play of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup on Tuesday night at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama.
Club Atletico Independiente now have seven points after three matches and can either advance to the quarterfinals with a draw next week against FAS or win the group outright with a victory.
Real Esteli have completed their group stage campaign with nine points and a quarterfinal berth already secured. The Nicaraguans will await the result of Independiente’s match next week to see if they advance to the knockout stage as the first place or second place team.
The first half saw Real Esteli mostly have control of the affair, although Club Atletico Independiente came closest to a score on a shot that left the crossbar quivering. Still, it was the play of Independiente GK Eddie Roberts that was most notable in the first 45 minutes.
The action really kicked into gear in the second stanza and the home side grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 55’ through Carlos Small, who took a short pass from Victor Avila and calmly finished a right-footed shot for the lead.
Independiente kept their foot on the gas in search of a second goal and the insurance score came on the 74’ from a penalty kick, as Jefferson Murillo converted from the spot to make it a 2-0 advantage to the Panamanians.
Real Esteli answered right back, pulling to within 2-1 in the 76’ when a corner kick was flocked on at the near post and fell perfectly for Ewerton Bezerra, who was able to squeeze past a shot to bring the visiting Nicaraguans to within a goal.
Independiente held off the late Real Esteli surge in the end, though, to nail down the precious three points.
