MIAMI, Florida – The margins will be razor-thin on Tuesday when Independiente of Panama host Honduran side Motagua in the second leg of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup quarterfinals at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama.
Not only will the winner of this quarterfinal series advance to the semifinals, but they will also punch their ticket to the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.
The two sides played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Honduras in which Independiente struck late through Hector Hurtado to pick up a crucial away goal.
Hurtado was a worthy candidate to score such an important goal, as he was a valuable part of Independiente’s effort in the first leg. In addition to his goal, he now leads the team in passes (244) and ball recoveries (15) during this Central American Cup.
Sergio Ramirez was a workhorse in Honduras making four ball recoveries and six clearances while completing 95 percent of his passes. Jorge Serrano continues to be a pest for opposing defenses, evidenced by his four shots last week and 14 fouls received in the tournament.
Agustin Auzmendi arrived to Motagua over the summer and has lived up to his billing, with a tournament-leading five goals, including in last week’s first leg.
Walter Martinez provided the assist on the Auzmendi goal, while adding two shots himself. Juan Delgado was a pivotal player as well, with two ball recoveries and 56 passes, but perhaps the man who could prove decisive in this series is Yeison Mejia, a playmaker with three goals and an assist in the tournament.
Match Officials Club Atletico Independiente (PAN) vs FC Motagua (HON)
REF: BRYAN LOPEZ (Guatemala)
AR1: LUIS VENTURA (Guatemala)
AR2: JUAN TIPAZ (Guatemala)
4TH: IGNACIO FUENTES (Guatemala)
