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Panama won the 2024 CONCACAF Futsal Championship, defeating Cuba 4-3 in a thrilling final on Saturday, April 20 at the Polideportivo Alexis Arguello in Managua, Nicaragua.
The conquest marks the first occasion that Panama lifts the golden trophy. Guatemala defeated Costa Rica, 3-0, in the third-place match earlier in the night.
Panama fielded an impactful duo as Alfonso Maquensi was named the tournament’s Best Player and goalkeeper Jaime Peñaloza was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper.
Kevin Rueda, goalkeeper of runners-up Cuba, was presented with the Young Player Award and Guatemala scorer Marvin Sandoval won the Golden Boot.
Panama lifts first trophy
Panama edged Cuba, 4-3, to lift its first CONCACAF Futsal Championship trophy.
Ruman Milord broke through the initial deadlock in the 14′ to place Panama in front. Milord had a close effort in the 17′ that was denied by the left post. Iduan Martinez equalized for Cuba in the 20′ to send the teams tied at halftime.
Harold Aquilera struck from long range to force an own goal by Alfonso Maquensi in the 21′ to place Cuba in the lead. Aquiles Campos tied the match for Panama in the 22′ with a power shot through the middle of the court. Claudio Goodridge scored in the 25′ to extend Panama’s lead. Goodridge struck again in the 35′ to place the Canaleros up by two goals.
Iduan Martinez brought Cuba within one in the 37′ to set up a dramatic finish. Panama goalkeeper Jaime Peñaloza came up with key saves in the closing seconds to preserve the score line and see out the victory.
Panama was participating in its second ever final after reaching the 2016 championship game. Cuba earned second place for the fifth time after runners-up finishes in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008.
Guatemala wins third place
Guatemala defeated Costa Rica, 3-0, to win third place in the tournament.
Edgar Santizo opened the scoring in the 1′ with a right footed blast from the right side of the court. Costa Rica goalkeeper Cesar Vargas received a red card in the 4′ and Pablo Castro stepped into goal. Marvin Sandoval extended the lead for Guatemala in the 5′ with a hit at the far post.
Jhonny Diaz struck in the 31′ to further the lead for the Chapines. The Guatemalan defense would go on to get the clean sheet over the former champions to win the third-place match.
The Guatemala men’s futsal team has placed third for the third straight edition. Winners in 2008, and runners-up in 2012, Guatemala have left with a medal for the fifth straight tournament. It is the first time any team accomplishes that feat.
