CNL 2023: Canada wins 2-0 against Panama
David and Davies combine forces to secure a 2-0 victory for Canada over Panama, joining United States in the Final.
Photo: Concacaf Nations League
Gasner Delvarin Jr. , Writer
June 15, 2023
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - In a thrilling match at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies played pivotal roles in Canada's 2-0 triumph over Panama in the semifinals of the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League, on Thursday evening.
The match gradually opened up from a slow start. Canada managed to break through Panama's defense in the 25th minute. Kamal Miller, the Inter Miami CF defender, delivered a through pass to David, who threaded the ball through Orlando Mosquera's legs to the goal and gave Canada a 1-0 lead.
Panama responded with dangerous attacks, seeking an equalizer before halftime with Ismael Diaz and Fidel Escobar, who unleashed powerful shots, but Milan Borjan was on his best goalkeeping day.
Panama carried their attacking momentum into the second half, creating two excellent opportunities for Harold Cummings with a header in the 52nd minute and Ismael Diaz with a right-footed strike in the 57th minute.
Yet, Canada proved equally dangerous in their forward movements, but Mosquera prevented once again from extending their lead by denying Cyle Larin's header in the 58th minute.
Davies entered the game in the second half and wasted not much time. Attacking from the left wing, he received a pass from David inside the penalty box and unleashed a left-footer into the net's ceiling, putting Canada up 2-0 in the 70th minute.
Panama tried to reduce the score. However, Canada's defense held firm until the final whistle, securing their victory and a coveted spot in the final.
With this impressive win, Canada advances to the final and will compete to win their first Concacaf title since the 2000 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Canada will play the United States at the Allegiant Stadium on Sunday 18, at 8:30 p.m.
Gasner Delvarin Jr. is a writer for Sports Action Rundown. For more information regarding this or other stories, email gasner@sportsactionrundown.com
Concacaf Nations League, Alphonso Davies, Kamal Miller, Orlando Mosquera, Milan Borjan, Jonathan David Gasner Delvarin Jr., Sports Action Rundown