Fajardo Strikes Panama to Victory in Costa Rica

Costa Rican Tico Times praises Fajardo’s impact

Starved for an international victory, Panama finally got its wish on Saturday night, as CAI’s Azmahar Ariano Fajardo led the Canaleros to a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Costa Rica in the first match of the two-game series at the Estadio Nacional in San José. The match was the first since 2019 for both teams.

Fajardo, the consistent Canalero

Fajardo scored the equalizer in the 34th minute, and then set up teammate Ismael Diaz for the game-winning goal just 11 minutes later to give Panama its first victory over Costa Rica since 2011.

It was Fajardo’s fourth goal in as many matches for Panama, and his second career international brace. He is now tied for second on the team’s all-time scoring list, with 10 goals. His consistent performance for club and country continues to impress and highlight his importance to the team.

Fajardo’s performance was praised by the Costa Rican press, with the Tico Times describing him as “a force to be reckoned with” and “the key to Panama’s victory.”

The match was the first since 2019 for both teams

The match was the first between the two teams since 2019, when Costa Rica won 2-1 at the Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City. Fajardo scored Panama’s only goal that night.

The two teams will meet again on Tuesday night in Panama City in the second match of the series.

Panama is now unbeaten in their last six matches

With the victory, Panama is now unbeaten in their last six matches, with four wins and two draws. The Canaleros have not lost since a 2-1 defeat to the United States in the CONCACAF Nations League in June 2022.

Costa Rica, meanwhile, has lost two of their last three matches. The Ticos are now ranked 31st in the FIFA World Rankings, while Panama is ranked 81st.