PENONOME, Panama – A key Group A encounter in the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup saw Panamanian side Universitario battle to a 0-0 draw with Deportivo Saprissa of Costa Rica on Wednesday night at the Estadio Universitario in Penonome, Panama.
With the result, Saprissa moved into first place in the group with seven points after three matches, while Universitario are third with five points through three matches.
It was a fairly tepid first half between the two teams, with Universitario having the better of the chances, but nothing that greatly troubled Saprissa GK Esteban Alvarado.
With the shots even at three after the first 45 minutes, it was wide open to start the second half. Universitario started peppering the Saprissa goal with a few attempts.
Angel Caicedo’s tested Alvarado in the 58’, followed five minutes later by a Jair Catuy free kick that also went right at Alvarado.
Soon enough Saprissa started to peg back the Universitario defense and Jefferson Brenes was presented with a dangerous free kick, only to fire into the Universitario wall.
Arguably, the best chance of the night for the Ticos arrived in the 79’ on a near post shot from Michaell Chirinos, but Universitario GK Joseph Esquina was right on top of it.
In the end, it would be a share of the spoils with both teams very much in position to advance going into the final matchday.
