The Honduran national team has advanced to the CONCACAF Gold Cup semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Panama. Carlos Pineda converted the decisive penalty, securing a 5-4 win after the match concluded with a 1-1 draw.
The quarter-final clash, held in Glendale, Arizona, on June 28, 2025, saw Panama dominate possession in the first half. Their efforts paid off when Cristian Martínez was fouled inside the penalty area by Honduras' Edwin Rodríguez. Ismael Díaz, the Gold Cup's leading scorer, calmly slotted the penalty into the bottom-left corner, giving Panama a 1-0 lead just before halftime.
Honduras struggled to create scoring opportunities for much of the game. However, spurred on by a desire to reach their first Gold Cup semi-final since 2013, they increased the pressure in the second half. Their persistence was rewarded in the 82nd minute when Anthony "Choco" Lozano deflected a shot from Carlos Pineda into the net following a corner kick. The goal, described as "lucky" by some, leveled the score and forced the game into extra time.
With no further goals in extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Both teams converted their initial four penalties, maintaining the tension. Honduras had the opportunity to win the shootout with their fifth attempt, but Panama's goalkeeper, Orlando Mosquera, made a crucial diving save to deny Lozano.
The drama continued as Panama's Eduardo Guerrero then missed his penalty, sending his shot over the bar and handing Honduras another chance to win. This time, Carlos Pineda stepped up and confidently dispatched his penalty into the bottom-left corner, securing the victory for Honduras.
Pineda, a 27-year-old defensive midfielder who plays for Olimpia, demonstrated composure under pressure to secure the win. His crucial penalty conversion propelled Honduras into the Gold Cup semi-finals, marking a significant achievement for the team.
Honduras will now face the winner of the match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico in the semi-final, which will be held on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California. This victory represents a significant step forward for Honduras as they aim to re-establish themselves among CONCACAF's top teams.
