Panama win penalty shootout to reach Gold Cup semi-finals

Panama have moved into the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup courtesy of a penalty-shootout victory over Trinidad & Tobago at MetLife Stadium.

Los Canaleros took the lead just after the half-hour mark when veteran forward Luis Tejada found a way past keeper Marvin Phillip.

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Kenwyne Jones tried to score an equaliser for the Caribbean side in first-half stoppage time only to head wide from Daneil Cyrus's cross

The Soca Warriors did manage to get back on level terms inside the opening minutes of the second half, however, as Jones was teed up by Khaleem Hyland before the ex-Sunderland forward tucked his shot home.

Panama tried to snatch a semi-final place before the 90 minutes were up, with Roman Torres and Armando Cooper going close.

Blas Perez then fired inches wide as the Panamanians were forced to settle for extra time and, after a cagey 30 minutes with few clear-cut chances for either side, penalties.

Both teams then missed two of their first three spot kicks, with Torres and Eric Davis failing for Panama and Joevin Jones and Sheldon Bateau missing for Trinidad & Tobago.

At 4-4 in the shootout, Cyrus had the chance to wrap up a last-four place following Alberto Quintero's miss, but his effort was blazed well over the crossbar to offer Los Canaleros a reprieve.

However, it was Panama who prevailed, and join USA and Jamaica in the semis, after Lester Peltier saw his kick saved.

Mexico face Costa Rica in the final quarter-final later on Sunday night.