Panama beat Guatemala 3-1 in the U19 Central American Championship, claim second place in Group B

The victory on Thursday night at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan put Panama at five points tied with Costa Rica, but their neighbours who earlier defeated Puerto Rico 4-1 qualified first on goal difference.

Panama hit first when Leonel Tejada converted a penalty kick in the 45’.

Guatemala fought back and evened the score on a Jefry Bantes goal in the 84’.

But Panama’s Rodrigo Tello scored a late brace in the 90’ and 95’ to give Panama the 3-1 win.

The victory gave Panama the second spot and dropped Guatemala, who totalled four points, to third place. Puerto Rico finished last with one point.

Costa Rica will now play El Salvador for the Championship on Saturday. Panama will face Nicaragua for third place, Guatemala will challenge Honduras for fifth place, and Puerto Rico will play Belize for seventh place.