TEGUCIGALPA – A late goal salvaged a 2-2 draw for Honduran side Motagua against Saprissa of Costa Rica in the first leg of their 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup Play-In on Wednesday night at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Ucles in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Motagua had the better of things to start, but it was a counterattack from Saprissa in the 24’ that almost led to the opening score, with striker Javon East firing inches over the crossbar.
Saprissa remained patient, absorbing the pressure from Motagua while looking to strike in transition and the next time a counterattack came around, Saprissa finished the deal on a clever backheel pass from East that found former Olimpia man Michaell Chirinos, who fired into net for a 1-0 Saprissa advantage in the 42’.
The intensity from Motagua started to rise during the second half and Agustin Auzmendi came close to an equalizer before the hour mark but was turned away by Saprissa GK Esteban Alvarado.
Auzmendi would get another crack in the 72’ and this time delivered by taking a nodded down header right in front of goal and redirecting into net to even the score at 1-1.
Motagua had all the momentum and Auzmendi looked set to give his side the lead in the 82’ after a fantastic run from Carlos Mejia, but Auzmendi steered his shot just wide of the post.
Instead, it was Saprissa scoring, as a free kick was lofted into the Motagua area and Warren Madrigal was there to guide home a header for a 2-1 Saprissa lead.
Motagua refused to throw in the towel though and Auzmendi was once again at the right place at the right time in the 90’, resulting in a 2-2 draw between the two sides.
