MIAMI, Florida – The 2023 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship in Guatemala returns to action on Friday with a semifinal rematch between Panama and Mexico at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City.
The two sides squared off earlier in the tournament in the finale of Group E. There was very little between the two teams, as Yerar Azcarate scored in the first half to hand Mexico a 1-0 lead, only to see Panama answer in the second stanza through Anel Ryce to earn a 1-1 draw.
Both teams arrive at the encounter with their ticket punched to the 2023 Under-17 Men’s World Cup in Peru – Mexico defeated El Salvador 3-0, while Panama edged Honduras 2-1 -- but there is still the motivation to claim the top prize in the region and be champion at the U17 level.
For Mexico, it is their 15th World Cup qualification, while for Panama it is their third. Mexico are seeking a ninth CMU17 title, while Panama remain on the hunt for their first, the closest call coming in 2013 when they finished as runners-up.
This will be the eighth all-time CMU17 meeting between the two teams. Mexico won the first six prior to this month’s draw in the group stage.
All-Time series in CU17C
Mexico FW Stephano Carrillo has distinguished himself as one of the top players in the tournament with six goals, while not far behind is teammate Jose Urias with four goals. Those two goal scorers and more have been aided by the playmaking of Fidel Barajas, Jonathan Flores and Gael Alvarez, who each have three assists.
Panama will counter with a defense that has only conceded two goals in their five matches at the CMU17, led by GK Manuel Romero who has seven saves.
On the attacking end, Kevin Walder has been the main man for the Canaleros, with four goals scored. Eric Moreno and Kahir Tovares have chipped in with two assists each.
These two sides have already reached their initial goal of World Cup qualification, and now they have their sights set on a place in the Championship’s final.
Match Officials
Adonis Carrasco (Dominican Republic)
Assistant Referee 1 Lendy Taveras (Dominican Republic)
Assistant Referee 2 Luis Paz (Honduras)
4th Official Kwinsi Williams (Trinidad and Tobago)
