Panama's U-16 national team finished as runners-up in the UNCAF Sub-16 Tournament after losing the final to El Salvador in a penalty shootout. The match, held at the Estadio Las Delicias in Santa Tecla, ended 1-1 in regular time before the Salvadorans prevailed 5-3 from the penalty spot.
José Pierre opened the scoring for Panama in the 45+2nd minute, a goal the player said "calmed the fans' enthusiasm and gave Panama a partial advantage." Isaac Kofi leveled for El Salvador from the penalty spot in the 66th minute, forcing the shootout. In the decider, El Salvador converted all five of their kicks, while goalkeeper José Alvarenga saved Emanuel Rodríguez's attempt to clinch the title for the hosts.
Panama's path to the final included draws against Nicaragua (1-1) and Costa Rica (1-1), and a 2-1 win over Puerto Rico. The result highlights the competitive level of Panama's youth teams in the Central American region. The U-16s' performance adds to a positive period for the senior national side, which is unbeaten in its last three matches, all draws, including a 1-1 result against Ecuador on October 5.
The runners-up finish in Santa Tecla serves as a valuable stepping stone for the development of future talents aiming to wear the shirt of the Canaleros.
More detail at Tvn Panamá
