ESTELI, Nicaragua – Nicaraguan side Real Esteli registered a first ever victory over Olimpia of Honduras in a 1-0 final in Group B of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup on Tuesday night at the Estadio Independencia in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Real Esteli now have six points after just two games, while Olimpia remain on one point through two matches played.
The home side came storming out of the gates and had the two-time Concacaf League champions pegged back for much of the first half.
Real Esteli’s Harold Medina had a slew of golden opportunities to score shortly after the half-hour mark, but on the first three he was turned away. The first was a header from close range that Olimpia GK Edrick Menjivar managed to save with his feet, followed shortly thereafter by a right-footed shot that forced a diving save from Menjivar.
Medina then hit the post with a left-footed effort, but seconds later he had a free header that he thumped into net to hand Real Esteli a 1-0 lead in the 36’.
Olimpia sought to get back on level terms in the second half, but they found the going tough against a compact and resolute Real Esteli defense.
Substitute Jhonatan Paz had a clear look at a goal late in the 81’, but the Real Esteli defense stayed strong with a block.
Minutes later Jorge Benguche could not connect cleanly with a cross right in front of Real Esteli GK Douglas Forvis, spoiling the chance.
Despite their best efforts, Olimpia were unable to muster a goal to salvage a draw, resulting in a magical and historical night for Real Esteli.
