The CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 is underway, and the Group C match between Panama and Guadeloupe saw some exciting moments, including a penalty converted by Guadeloupe's Florian David. The match took place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.
Panama entered the tournament as the reigning runner-up and are aiming to make their way back to the championship match. Meanwhile, Guadeloupe seeks to reach the Knockout Stage for the first time since the 2009 edition. This game marked the third time these two teams have met in the Gold Cup and the series is tied with one win each. Guadeloupe won their first encounter on July 5, 2009, with a score of 2-1. Panama then edged out a 3-2 win on June 7, 2011.
In the recent match, Panama took a significant lead, with Christian Martínez and Ismael Díaz putting them up 3-0. Ismael Diaz scored at the 17 minute mark with an assist from Amir Murillo. Tomas Rodriguez further extended Panama's lead. However, Guadeloupe fought back. Jordan Leborgne scored, reducing Panama's lead. Then, Florian David converted a penalty kick, further trimming the deficit. The penalty was awarded after a check by the referee. David placed the ball perfectly in the bottom left corner, past the reach of Panama's goalkeeper, Mosquera, injecting a surge of hope into his team and their fans. Eduardo Guerrero from Panama scored a penalty at the 22 minute mark. The game ultimately ended with Panama winning 4-2 against Guadeloupe.
Both teams had key players to watch coming into the match. For Panama, José Fajardo was a highlighted player. He played a crucial role in Panama's qualification, with a goal against Costa Rica in the Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals. Guadeloupe's squad was led by Florian David and Raphaël Mirval. Both players had previously scored in the Gold Cup Prelims against Nicaragua, which secured their team's place in the tournament.
Panama's coach, Thomas Christiansen, is managing the team for the third consecutive time and led them to a runner-up finish in the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League. Jocelyn Angloma, is also managing Guadeloupe for the third time. Angloma was a key player for Guadeloupe's team that reached the semifinals in 2007.
