Cartaginés books 2026 Central American Cup Semifinal spot 

Cartaginés advances to the Semifinals for the first time.

CARTAGO, Costa Rica – The 2026 Concacaf Central American Cup continued on Wednesday with CS Cartaginés securing a 3-2 victory over Deportivo Saprissa, 5-4 on aggregate, in the Second Leg of their Quarterfinals series at Estadio José Rafael Fello Meza in Cartago, Costa Rica.

José González placed the hosts in the lead in the 22’, capitalizing on an assist José Quirós from the left and striking with a first-time, left-footed finish from inside the box.

Saprissa equalized in the 45+3 ’with Orlando Sinclair finding the back of the night with a diving header from inside the penalty area.

Los Morados turned the scoring around in the 57’ after Fidel Escobar scored with a first-time right-footed hit.

Diego Mesén levelled the series once again in the 77’, with the Cartaginés defender slotting home a corner kick delivery from Douglas López with a towering header at the near post.

Los Brumosos reclaimed the lead in dramatic fashion in the 88’, when Bernard Alfaro converted a penalty for the winner.

With this result, CS Cartaginés wins Quarterfinal series 5-4 on aggregate to advance to the Semifinals of the Concacaf Central American Cup for the first time.

Post-Match Data: CS Cartaginés vs Deportivo Saprissa

• CS Cartaginés have reached the Concacaf Central American Cup Semifinals for the first time in club history. This also marked their first-ever victory over Costa Rican opposition in the competition.
• CS Cartaginés' José González scored in both legs of this Quarterfinal series, becoming only the third player to score in both the first and second legs of a Concacaf Central American Cup Quarterfinal. He joins Club Olimpia's Jorge Benguché in 2025 and LD Alajuelense's Aarón Suárez in 2023.
• Diego Mesén delivered an all-around performance for CS Cartaginés against Deportivo Saprissa, leading the team in shots (2, tied with José González), successful passes (42) and aerial duels won (7). He also scored a goal and recorded six clearances.
• Orlando Sinclair, Deportivo Saprissa's all-time leading scorer in the Concacaf Central American Cup with eight goals, scored his first headed goal in the competition. His previous seven goals included four with his left foot, three with his right foot and one with another part of his body.
• Deportivo Saprissa's Gerald Taylor recorded his second career assist in the Concacaf Central American Cup, with both coming against CS Cartaginés. He set up Orlando Sinclair's opening goal in this match, having previously assisted Joseph Mora during the 2025 Group Stage.