Panama secured a 3-1 victory against Bolivia, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Copa América. José Fajardo netted for the second consecutive game, while substitutes Eduardo Guerrero and César Yanis added late goals to ensure Panama's progression.
The Canaleros sealed their win well before the conclusion of the United States' match against Uruguay. The U.S. needed two stoppage-time goals to advance but fell short as La Celeste held firm for a 1-0 victory, completing a flawless Group C campaign.
Panama's victory means they, alongside Canada, will represent CONCACAF in the knockout stage. Notably, regional powerhouses Mexico and the United States were eliminated in the group stage.
Panama will next face the Group D winner, decided by the Colombia vs. Brazil clash on Tuesday, in the Arizona desert.
Eduardo Guerrero scored with a header in the 79th minute, having entered the pitch just five minutes earlier, putting Panama ahead 2-1. César Yanis then sealed the win in the first minute of added time. Yanis, who had been on the field for only half a minute, expertly controlled Guerrero's lofted pass with his left foot before switching to his right to fire the ball home.
Bolivia’s struggles in the Copa América continue, having not won a match since a 3-2 victory over Ecuador in the 2015 edition in Chile. They have exited without a win in the 2016, 2019, 2021, and now 2024 tournaments.
The match also marked a historic moment with Edina Alves becoming the first woman to officiate a Copa América match, in Orlando, Florida.
