MIAMI – The 2025 Concacaf Central American Cup continues with CS Cartaginés hosting Club Atlético Independiente in Group C on Tuesday at Estadio José Rafael "Fello" Meza in Cartago, Costa Rica.

After being held scoreless in its two opening encounters, CS Cartaginés found its offensive rhythm in an 8-1 victory against Verdes FC. Johan Venegas and Marco Ureña stood out with hat-trick performances as the Costa Rican side improved to four points and seeks a home win to help its Quarterfinal hopes.

Panamanian side CAI recovered from its opening loss in the campaign with two home victories, most recently winning 1-nil against Deportivo Saprissa. Ángel Valverde leads the side with two goals in the campaign. A victory would seal a trip to the Knockout Round for CAI, while a draw would only be useful if FC Motagua avoids defeat at Saprissa.

Historic series

This will be the first-ever encounter between CS Cartaginés and C.A. Independiente in the history of the Concacaf Central American Cup. However, for the “Brumosos,” it will mark their second meeting against a Panamanian club in the tournament, following a 2-2 draw against CD Universitario on August 29, 2023, at Estadio José Rafael “Fello” Meza in Cartago. The visitors struck twice through Jean Sánchez, while Cartaginés responded with goals from Marcel Hernández (penalty) and Jossimar Pemberton.

 

Cartaginés has faced Panamanian clubs three times in official competitions and remains unbeaten, with two wins and one draw. Both victories came against Tauro FC in the 1997 Concacaf Champions Cup during the first Central American round. The first leg, held on May 3 at the Fello Meza, ended in a dominant 5-0 win for Cartaginés, with two goals each from Jewisson Bennett and Heriberto Quirós, and one from Norman Gómez. The second leg took place on May 11 at Estadio Rommel Fernández in Panama City, where Cartaginés pulled off a 4-2 comeback win, courtesy of another brace from Quirós, plus goals from Cristian Mena and Gómez. Gustavo Largacha netted twice for the Panamanian side. The Costa Rican club claimed the series with a commanding 9-2 aggregate.

For C.A. Independiente, this will be their second match against a Costa Rican opponent in the tournament, having previously faced Deportivo Saprissa in Week 4, Winning 1-0 with a goal from Ángel Caicedo in the 83rd minute.