PANAMA CITY, Panama - Panama scored three goals in the last 23 minutes to defeat visiting Guatemala 3-0 in a friendly on Thursday at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez.

The encounter, which was played behind closed doors, was the first of two meetings between the sides prior to the UNCAF Copa Centroamericana, which will be played later this month in Costa Rica.

"These games are always useful to evaluate and eventually, after both matches, we'll definitely decide who will be traveling (to the Copa Americana)," said Panama head coach Julio Cesar Dely Valdes following the game.

While the first half was contested in a fairly conservative fashion, the host emerged after the break in a determined mood.

Second-half substitute Eybir Bonaga opened the scoring with a powerful shot from 25-yards out to give the Canaleros a 67th minute lead.

Tauro's Marcos Sanchez doubled the advantage 10 minutes later and Orlando Rodriguez completed the scoreline five minutes before the final whistle.

Panama and Guatemala will face off again on Sunday, also behind closed doors on Sunday at the Rommel Fernandez.