Panama will advance in the last four of the Gold Cup after beating Trinidad and Tobago in penalty kicks, thanks to a great save by LA Galaxy keeper Jaime Penedo.
Los Canaleros took the lead early on the 37th minute after a bad defending from Trinidad when Luis Tejada found the net from a close range. However, Panama's relief didn't last long as an equalizer came eight minutes after halftime from Kenwyne Jones.
As per tournament rules, the match went to extra time, but even that wasn't enough to separate the evenly matched squads. The Soca Warriors actually had the opportunity to win the game, but Daneil Cyrus missed it.
Penedo easily became Panama's hero after he saved Lester Peltier's spot kick in the ninth round of penalties at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. He dived to his left to keep the shot from the net and sent his team through to the semi-finals.
"Panama played one of its best matches and I want people in Panama to start thinking and analyzing matches not only for the result, but for the way it plays," coach Hernan Dario Gomez said.
The former runners-up have all their CONCACAF Gold Cup 2015 matches ended in 1-1 draws, but they proved to be sufficient as once again they'd be having a chance to nab the title. Panama will be facing Mexico in July 23 for a last hurdle to reach the finals.
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