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Mexico edges Panama to finish third in Nations League

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Mexico finished in third place in the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League tournament after edging Panama 1-0 in Sunday’s penultimate match.

Jesus Gallardo’s fourth-minute goal was all El Tri needed to end its tournament on a positive note under Diego Cocca. Guillermo Ochoa registered three saves in net for Mexico.

Gallardo’s opening goal came from a confident left-footed strike in the center of the Panama box. It was his first goal of the Nations League tournament.

Alberto Quintero was denied by Ochoa just four minutes later as Panama tried to fight back and earn an equalizing goal. Panama continued to pile on pressure, but couldn’t break down the El Tri backline.

Luis Chavez’s free kick was punched away by Luis Mejia as the 32-year-old kept Panama from falling down 2-0.

Anibal Godoy thought he had tied things up for Panama in the 56th minute after being played in towards goal by Fidel Escobar. However, VAR waived off the goal due to offsides, keeping Mexico in front.

Cesar Blackman tested his luck later in the half, but Ochoa easily gathered the right back’s long-range shot.

Mexico would hang on for a 1-0 victory, giving it a boost of confidence heading into the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup.

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