Honduras advances to the knockout stage with win over Panama

HOUSTON, Texas – Honduras defeated Central American rival Panama with a 3-2 comeback win to extend to secure their passage to the Gold Cup quarterfinals.

After scoring four goals in its opening match, the Honduras attack picked up where it left off with the match’s opening goal by Romell Quioto in the 22nd minute.

Similar to its first match, Panama wouldn't relent. The team found a way back onto the scoreboard after earning a penalty. Eric Davis would score the equalizer in the 32nd minute.

Panama would sneak another goal in right before the halftime whistle for its first lead during the tournament. Cesar Yanis picked up his first Gold Cup goal in the 45’+1 minute on a cross from Alberto Quintero.

Honduras goalkeeper Luis Lopez came up with one of his 12 saves on the day in the 51st minute to keep his team in contention and avoid a lead extension by a confident Panama attack.

Midfielder Alexander Lopez equalized the match with Honduras' second goal in the 61st minute. The goal came off a second-hand opportunity that Lopez met at the top of the box and smashed into the right corner of the goal.

Quioto would regain the lead for Honduras in the 65th minute after meeting a long pass from center back Kevin Alvarez in the run of play and sending the Honduran public in Houston into jubilation.

With six points through its first two group matches, Honduras has secured its return to the knockout stage for the first time since the 2017 tournament. The team's opponent in the knockout stage will be determined after its match with Qatar in the two sides' final group match.