MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica (CMC) – Alfredo Stevens slammed a second-half goal, as Panama became the first side to reach the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Under-17 Boys’ Championship, and qualify for the age group World Cup.
Stevens converted a defensive mistake in the 76th minute to hand the Panamanians an upset victory over one of the tournament favourites.
Panama will face the winner of today’s third quarter-final between Canada and Trinidad & Tobago.
The Panamanians are making their debut in the competition, and hadn’t scored a goal in the group stage.
Stevens scored when second-half substitute Omar Browne tried to a send a ball between central defenders David Acuna and William Fernandez.
The ball deflected off the thigh of Acuna, a sprinting Stevens ran onto it, and finished with a rolling ball under Costa Rican goalkeeper Pedro Roman.
The result denied Costa Rica a ninth trip to the World Cup, and ended their streak after having qualified for the world championship the past five times.
Both teams struggled to generate anything in the offensive third early, but Panama twice forced Roman into athletic saves in the first 21 minutes, while the Ticos forwards twice shot wide, when William Quiros a corner kick off target in the 39th minute, and a side volley from Reimond Salas flew high in the 44th.
Costa Rica had the better of play in the second half, enjoying more possession and twice testing netminder Ivan Picart, but Panama held firm.
The United States and El Salvador featured in the second quarter-final later yesterday.
The other quarter-final today brings together hosts Jamaica and Honduras.
All matches are now being contested at the Catherine Hall Stadium.