GUATEMALA, City – A pair of second half ‘golazos’ powered Guatemalan side Comunicaciones to a 3-1 win versus Real Espana of Honduras in Group C of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup on Wednesday night at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City.
Comunicaciones sought a quick start, but it was Real Espana nearly scoring first when Miguel Carrasco got behind the Comunicaciones defense but was unable to get enough on a shot to beat Comunicaciones GK Fredy Perez in the 13’.
Less than two minutes later Comunicaciones just narrowly missed the game’s first goal with both Andres Lezcano and Juan Anangono unable to turn in a cross from the right.
With play so wide open, a goal seemed inevitable and the Cremas were able to strike first in the 18’ through Jorge Aparicio, who gathered a pass from Jose Contreras and fired a shot that took a slight deflection and beat Real Espana GK Michael Perello for a 1-0 lead.
Real Espana answered in kind in the 33’ thanks to an inch-perfect cross from Mayron Flores and a skilled header from Daniel Carter that spun away from Perez and into net to even things at 1-1.
Back came Comunicaciones and Lezcano came within a whisker of scoring with a header that hit the post and rolled across the goal line before being cleared.
Things were even as the second half progressed, but the match would tilt in favor of Comunicaciones in the 64’ and in thrilling fashion, as Lopez collected a ball at the top of the box, took a pair of touches and hammered a left-footed shot into the top left corner of net for a 2-1 lead.
Real Espana looked to get back on even terms, but Comunicaciones would have another wondergoal up their sleeve. It came in the 89’ via a corner kick that was played to the streaking Erik Gonzalez, who flicked the ball with the back of his heel, looping the ball into net for a second spectacular ‘golazo’ on the night and a 3-1 final.
