Guatemala gave today a decisive step to revalidate last year’s championship at the Central American Indoor Tournament in Panama, where after two wins is the leader of the competition with perfect score. In their first match, they won to Costa Rica, and in the afternoon, they defeated the host, Panama, 5-3
On Saturday, they will play Honduras, and a victory or a draw, will lead them to the big final match on Sunday. The tournament is organized by the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF), in coordination with the Panamanian Hockey Association.
Guatemala’s National Team had to work hard in the Eugenio 'Yuyin' Luzcando Gymnasium to find spaces and overcome solid Costa Ricans, in the first match, ensuring their victory with 4 minutes to the end, thru Juan Navarro Coto.
Later in another exciting game the Guatemalans, could recover from Panama’s lead, thru their scorer Agustín Depaz, placed as 'Hunter' in the area, taking advantage of every rebound close to the penalty mark. He converted three of the five goals beating the host.
Panama and Costa Rica will play for a second spot in the finals at their match on Saturday. Both National Teams beat Honduras. Panama won 8-3 and the “Ticos” 8-0.
WOMEN COMPETITION
The last match of the day was emotional and dramatic, and captured the attention of the fans at the stands. Costa Rica took a 3-2 lead with excellent goals from Daniela Solano, after the execution of a penalty corner at the end of the 40 minutes. Celina Portugal found the net with a strong shot and tied the match in three.
Guatemala then climbed to the top, after winning Honduras 5-0.
Today, the ladies will have a double date making their way to the finals on Sunday.
CHANGE OF SCHEDULE TIME
Due to force majeure, tomorrow’s schedule was modified. Day two will start at 8 am as follows:
8 a.m. Guatemala vs. Honduras (men)
9:15 a.m. Costa Rica vs. Honduras (women)
10:30 a.m. Guatemala vs. Panama (women)
11:45 a.m. Costa Ria vs. Panama (men)
2:30 p.m. Costa Rica vs. Guatemala (women)
3:45 p.m. Panama vs. Honduras (women)
