MIAMI, Florida – History will be made on Thursday night in the second leg of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup semifinals when CA Independiente of Panama host Nicaragua’s Real Esteli at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama.
Whomever advances from this series will reach their first ever Concacaf tournament Final, making it one for the history books.
Real Esteli bring a 1-0 advantage into the contest after their dramatic victory at home in the first leg thanks to a second half stoppage time goal from Abel Mendez.
The Pinoleros actually find themselves in a similar position to the one they experienced in the quarterfinals against Costa Rican giants Saprissa. Real Esteli carried a 1-0 lead into that second leg and showed great character in earning a 2-2 draw in the return leg in Costa Rica to secure a 3-2 aggregate win.
They would no doubt like to achieve the same thing on Thursday and will turn to players like Mendez, Juan Barrera and Byron Bonilla to try to finish the job.
Barrera has two goals and 143 completed passes in the tournament, while Bonilla has two assists and seven ball recoveries. Another key member will be GK Douglas Forvis, who has five clean sheets.
CAI will be out to turn the tables and have a wealth of attacking talent to lean on. Look no further than Carlos Small, who leads the team with five goals.
Match Officials CAI vs Real Esteli
Rafael Aguila has seemingly been everywhere in the tournament, with a goal and an assist, and he made five ball recoveries in the first leg. Meanwhile, Hector Hurtado has completed 338 passes in the tournament and has a whopping 18 ball recoveries.
GK Eddie Roberts will also be called upon to deliver a big match. Roberts has 33 saves in the tournament and will aim to keep a clean sheet on Thursday.
