Fajardo strikes Panama to victory in Costa Rica
Panama's national football team secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in their opening match of the CONCACAF Nations League on Friday night
Substitute Ismael Diaz set up the winning goal for Edgar Yoel Barcenas in the 79th minute, giving Panama their first ever win on Costa Rican soil
Diaz, who replaced Rolando Blackburn in the 61st minute, played a crucial role in Panama's triumph. He sent a precise pass to Barcenas, who made no mistake in slotting the ball past Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas.The victory marked Panama's first win over Costa Rica in nine meetings, dating back to 2011. It was also Panama's first win in the CONCACAF Nations League, a newly created tournament that brings together the top teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Both teams had chances to score in the first half, but neither side could find the back of the net. Panama came close in the 17th minute when Alberto Quintero's shot hit the crossbar, while Costa Rica had a good opportunity in the 25th minute when Joel Campbell's header went just wide.
The second half was more evenly contested, with both teams creating chances. However, it was Panama who eventually broke the deadlock. Diaz's assist for Barcenas proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The win gives Panama a boost ahead of their next match against Martinique on Monday. Costa Rica, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back when they face Curacao on Tuesday.
In other CONCACAF Nations League matches on Friday, the United States defeated Grenada 5-0, Canada beat Cuba 6-0, and Mexico drew 0-0 with Suriname.
