Panama earned a dramatic 1-0 win over the United States on Thursday night to become the first Central American team to reach the final of the Concacaf Nations League. The semifinal clash at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, saw Los Canaleros end the United States’ reign of three consecutive Nations League titles and advance to Sunday’s final, where they will face the winner of the Canada-Mexico matchup.

The match was poised to head into extra time when, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Panama found the breakthrough. Adalberto Carrasquilla won the ball from the U.S. defensive line and slipped a pass to Cecilio Waterman, who took a touch before firing a precise right-footed shot into the left side of the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any match and a moment of pure elation for the Panamanian side.

The U.S. had their chances throughout the match. Josh Sargent tested Edgardo Fariña with a right-footed shot in the 19th minute, while Weston McKennie came close a minute later with a header that Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera did well to keep out. Another promising moment came in the 26th minute when Sargent found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Panama struggled to cross midfield early in the first half but gradually grew into the game, showing composure and resilience against the U.S. pressure. The second half saw both teams searching for a breakthrough, with end-to-end play and rising tension in the stands.

The Stars and Stripes pushed hard for an equalizer after falling behind, and Tyler Adams had one final opportunity in the 90+8 minute, but his shot drifted wide, sealing the Americans' fate.

The match was officiated by Jamaican referee Oshane Anthony Nation, who oversaw a fiercely contested but fair encounter between two highly physical sides.

With the result, Panama not only makes history by reaching their first-ever Nations League final, but also sends a clear message about their growing stature in the region. The United States, meanwhile, will face the loser of the Canada-Mexico semifinal in Sunday’s third-place playoff.

Photos: Courtesy of X