Panama crowned Concacaf futsal kings
Canaleros beat Cuba in breathless final to clinch maiden continental crown.
Panama beat Cuba in thrilling 2024 Concacaf Futsal Championship final
Both finalists qualify for FIFA Futsal World Cup, along with Guatemala and Costa Rica
Panama's Alfonso Maquensi named tournament's Best Player
2024 Concacaf Futsal Championship champions: Panama Uzbekistan 2024 qualifiers: Panama, Cuba, Guatemala, Costa Rica Best Player: Alfonso Maquensi (Panama) Golden Boot: Marvin Sandoval (Guatemala) - seven goals
Panama have won the Concacaf Futsal Championship for the first time after beating Cuba 4-3 in a dramatic final.
The Canaleros fought back from 2-1 down in the Nicaragua showdown, with Claudio Goodridge netting twice to help his team secure an historic triumph.
Panama’s Ruman Milord opened the scoring but Cuba recovered to lead through an Iduan Martinez strike and an Alfonso Maquensi own goal. Aquiles Campos levelled before Goodridge’s double put Panama in command and, while Martinez scored again to reduce the deficit, the Canaleros saw out the victory to spark jubilant scenes of celebration.
The result means Cuba’s long wait for a maiden continental title continues, with the nation having also finished runners-up in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. They have, however, qualified for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024™ – which takes place from 14 September to 6 October – alongside champions Panama and semi-finalists Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Guatemala clinched bronze by overcoming Costa Rica 3-0 in the third-place match, with Edgar Santizo, Marvin Sandoval and Jhonny Diaz on target.
Sandoval’s goal helped him win the Golden Boot prize, while Panama star Maquensi was named the tournament’s Best Player. Jaime Penaloza, also of Panama, was recognised as the Best Goalkeeper and Cuba stopper Kevin Rueda won the Best Young Player award.
Pictures courtesy of Concacaf