The Mexican U-23 team continues with firm steps in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games. The team led by Eduardo Arce defeated Panama 4-0 with authority in the semifinals and secured, at least, the silver medal, although now they will go for the main objective: winning gold.
The Mexican team resolved the match from the first half thanks to an effective offensive led by Joaquín Moxica, who scored a double to advance qualification to the championship match.
Mexico finished the game in the first half
The Mexican team came out determined to impose conditions from the opening whistle and found reward very early. Just in the 7th minute, Gael García opened the scoring with a header after a precise cross from Sebastián Aceves, putting the national team ahead.
The offensive pressure did not diminish and ten minutes later the second goal arrived. At 17', Octavio Vázquez sent a service into the area that Joaquín Moxica converted into a goal with another header to extend the lead.
Before the break, the Atlante forward reappeared inside the area to score his second goal of the night and make it a resounding 3-0, leaving the tie practically defined.
Joaquín Moxica was the figure in the Mexican victory
The name of the semifinal was Joaquín Moxica, who led the attack of the Mexico U-23 team with two goals and confirmed his importance in Eduardo Arce's scheme.
In addition to the attacker's double, Gael García and Octavio Vázquez were also present on the scoreboard, reflecting the good collective performance of a team that dominated the match from start to finish.
Octavio Vázquez sentenced the victory in added time
Although the pace dropped during the second half, the Mexican team maintained control of the actions and practically did not allow Panama to find spaces to react.
The fourth goal came in stoppage time, when Octavio Vázquez took advantage of a defensive error inside the area to push the ball into the back of the goal and seal the final 4-0.
In the lower part, goalkeeper César Camacho, a footballer from Pachuca, responded with confidence on the few occasions in which he was called upon, keeping a clean sheet and completing a solid performance by the national team.
The Mexican team will seek the gold medal
With the ticket secured to the Final of the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, the Mexican U-23 team was just one match away from winning the gold medal.
Eduardo Arce's team will face the winner of the other semifinal between Colombia and Venezuela, with the opportunity to close the tournament confirming the good level shown throughout the competition.
After a semi-final dominated from start to finish, the Mexican team will enter the championship duel with confidence, a great offensive moment and the objective of adding a new gold medal for the Mexican delegation.
