PANAMA CITY – Panama punched their ticket to the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League Finals following a 3-1 triumph over Costa Rica in the second leg of their League A quarterfinal on Monday night at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama.
With the result, Panama have won the two-legged series on aggregate 6-1. In addition to advancing to the CNL Finals, Panama have qualified for the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.
Costa Rica will progress to the Concacaf Nations League Play-In. The winner of the Play-In will qualify for the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.
Panama wanted to make sure that Costa Rica could not get off to a quick start and the home side jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 20’ when a Michael Murillo effort was initially blocked by Costa Rica GK Kevin Chamorro, but Jose Fajardo was there to fire home the rebound, giving Fajardo goals in three straight CNL matches against the Ticos.
It was all Panama at the moment and Jose Rodriguez gave the home fans another reason to cheer just minutes later with a left-footed rocket from long-range in the 24’ for a 2-0 Panama lead.
Panama were then able to tack on a third goal before halftime when Rodriguez was fouled just inside the area and Edgar Barcenas squeezed in the penalty for a 3-0 advantage in the 43’.
Costa Rica looked to make some inroads in the second half and pulled a goal back in the 52’ when Joel Campbell curled in a free kick and Francisco Calvo met it with a header to make it a 3-1 contest.
It was the closest Costa Rica would come, as Panama saw things out until the final whistle to secure their spot in the CNL Finals in March.
