Ochoa brace sends Real Estelí into Central American Cup Final

CARTAGO, Costa Rica – CS Herediano and Real Estelí FC drew 2-2 in the second leg of their series in the semifinals of the 2024 Concacaf Central American Cup on Thursday at Estadio José Rafael Fello Meza in Cartago, Costa Rica.

Getsel Montes opened the scoring in the 3’, striking a header to connect with a corner kick service from Elías Aguilar, to place the hosts in the lead.

Marcel Hernández extended the lead for Herediano in the 30’, capitalizing on a cross from Andy Rojas from the right flank with a header inside the penalty area.

Juan Vieyra received a red card in the 33’, leaving Real Estelí with ten players for the remainder of the match.

Iván Ochoa shortened the deficit for Real Estelí in the 86’ with a long-range hit from outside the box. The goal would place the visitors in position to potentially tie and win the series on away goals.

Ochoa secured his double in the 90’+8, delivering a dramatic finish from close range following a free kick.

The series concluded 2-2 on aggregate after the two sides played to a nil-nil draw in the first leg. 

Real Estelí wins the series on away goals and advances to the 2024 Concacaf Central American Cup Final. The 2023 runner-up returns to the final for a second consecutive edition in a rematch against the reigning champions LD Alajuelense.