Fajardo, Barcenas headers lay groundwork for Panama’s triumph

Panama opened their Group C campaign of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup by dispatching fellow Central American rivals Costa Rica 2-1 on Monday night at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fl, CONCACAF said.

It said the victory is the third in a row for Panama against Costa Rica in CONCACAF competition, which included 2-0 and 1-0 wins in Group B League A action from the 2022-23 CONCACAF Nations League.

“It was an electric start to the match and Panama struck first, with Eric Davis sending in a cross from the left wing that met the surging Jose Fajardo, who steered a header into net for a 1-0 lead in the 23’,” CONCACAF said.

For Fajardo, CONCACAF said it was his second goal in as many CONCACAF matches against Ticos after having scored the winning goal in Panama’s 1-0 win versus Costa Rica in that 2022-23 CNL group finale.

CONCACAF said the Canaleros nearly doubled their advantage just a minute later with Fajardo getting another clean look at goal inside the area, only for Costa Rica GK Kevin Chamorro to make a reaction save.

“The match was really coming to life with Costa Rica on the hunt for an equalizer and Josimar Alcocer looked set to do it in the 25’ on a breakaway, but that was snuffed out by Panama GK Orlando Mosquera,” CONCACAF said.

“Panama kept coming in waves to start the second half with a pair of chances from Ismael Diaz and another one for Davis,” it added. “Costa Rica absorbed the punches and started jabbing back, including Aaron Suarez slipping a pass into Joel Campbell, whose shot was blocked by Mosquera in the 58th.

“Back and forth they went and Panama would land another big blow in the 68’ to take a 2-0 lead,” it continued. “Michael Murillo curled a pass into the area where Edgar Barcenas had the time and space to snap a header into net for the score.”

CONCACAF said Costa Rica would pull a goal back in the 90+1’, as Suarez and Campbell linked up on a one-two combination with Suarez finishing it off to cut the gap to 2-1, “but Panama would see out the final seconds to secure the three points.”