Fajardo strikes Panama to victory in Costa Rica | OneFootball

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica – Panama earned a 1-nil victory against Costa Rica in the first leg of their quarterfinal’s series of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League on Thursday at Estadio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica had an early opportunity in the 12’ following a corner kick through a header from Juan Pablo Vargas that was stopped by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.

Warren Madrigal had a chance for the hosts in the 19’ with a left-footed strike from the left side of the box, but Mosquera once again snuffed out the attempt with a save.

César Blackman had the closest opportunity for Panama in the first half in the 38’ with a right-footed curler from the left corner of the box that was just wide of the top right corner.

José Fajardo was close to breaking the deadlock in the 61’, following a delivery from Michael Amir Murillo, but his finish inside the penalty area was high above the crossbar.

Fajardo broke through on the scoreboard for Panama in the 66’, converting on a penalty kick attempt for the match's lone goal.

Orlando Mosquera finished the encounter with two saves and the clean sheet.

Los Canaleros earned a third consecutive win on Costa Rican soil across all competitions to take a one-goal lead and an away goal into the second leg on Monday in Panama City.