GLENDALE, Ariz. – The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Quarterfinals kicked off with Honduras and Panama tying 1-1 in regular time, with Honduras ultimately winning 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out to advance, on Saturday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Fidel Escobar came close to finding the opener for Panama in the 1’ with a right-footed rocket from long distance that was tipped over the bar by Honduras goalkeeper Edrick Menjívar. 

Panama had another chance through Carlos Harvey in the 14’, but his header from the center of the box was also met by a save from Menjívar.

Ismael Díaz broke the deadlock in the 45’+1’, converting a penalty attempt to give Panama the lead. Díaz reached 11 Gold Cup career goals to tie Blas Pérez as Panama’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament.

Menjívar pulled off a key save in the 66’ to prevent Panama from doubling its lead, denying a powerful left-footed shot from Amir Murillo from inside the box. 

Kervin Arriaga nearly equalized for Honduras in the 76’, but his attempt was cleared off the line by Panama’s backline. 

Anthony Lozano struck from the close range for the equalizer in the 82’, saving Los Catrachos from elimination and sending the match to penalties.

Honduras was victorious 5-4 in the penalty shootout to advance to Semifinals.

Menjívar provided a standout display to help Honduras qualify to the next round, registering five saves. 

Thrilling Penalty Shootout Between Panama and Honduras

The penalty shootout between Panama and Honduras delivered edge-of-your-seat drama, worthy of a semifinal clash.

Panama’s Fidel Escobar opened the shootout with a successful strike. Luis Palma answered right back for Honduras. Tournament top scorer Ismael Díaz converted his penalty, but Kervin Arriaga brought things level again. Aníbal Godoy then hit the base of the post, and Honduran captain Denil Maldonado gave his team the lead.

Carlos Harvey kept Panama’s hopes alive with a composed finish, but Orlando Mosquera emerged as a hero by stopping Anthony Lozano’s shot — the same player who had scored the equalizer in regular time. Substitute Eduardo Guerrero then missed his shot over the crossbar, turning the pressure to Honduras.

Carlos Pineda, who had assisted Lozano’s goal, stepped up and sealed Honduras’ 5-4 victory from the spot, sending Los Catrachos to the Gold Cup semifinals for the first time since 2013.

Honduras will face the winner of the matchup between Mexico and Saudi Arabia in Semifinals on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California. 

Post- Match Data 

Honduras have reached the semi-finals of the Concacaf Gold Cup for the sixth time

and the first since 2013. Only the USA (16) and Mexico (14) have reached the last four more than Honduras in tournament history.

· Edrick Menjívar (Honduras) recorded more defensive actions than any other goalkeeper in a first half at this year’s Concacaf Gold Cup, with 4 saves and 3 clearances (7 in total).

· Luis Crisanto was the player with the most duels (22) and duels won (15), leading

Honduras in both in this match and overall, in this year’s Concacaf Gold Cup (60 contested, 41 won).

· Panama made 169 passes in the opposition half during the first half – three times more than Honduras (55), who also faced 10 shots, their highest total conceded in a first half at this year’s Concacaf Gold Cup.

· Ismael Díaz has equaled Blas Pérez as Panama’s all-time top scorer in the Concacaf

Gold Cup, netting his 11th goal in the competition. He also stands alone as the current top scorer of this edition with six goals.

· Anthony Lozano scored Honduras’ first set-piece goal at the Concacaf Gold Cup since Alexander López in 2021. In fact, each of Honduras’ last three set-piece goals in the tournament have come against Panama (since 2015).

· Ismael Díaz has scored two penalty goals in the current edition of the Concacaf Gold Cup and now is one away from matching Panama’s highest tally from the spot in a single tournament since Gabriel Torres (3) in 2013.