The championship final of the 2018 Central American Bowl in Guatemala will see Team Panama take on Costa Rica in San José Pinula, Guatemala. in a rematch of the 2013 final.
Panama won the inaugural Central American Bowl in 2013 over Costa Rica, 54-13. These two teams last faced each other again in 2015 when Costa Rica avenged that loss, coming out on top, surprising Panama 32-26.
The 2018 Central American Bowl has featured six Central American countries – Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala – who have played in two groups.
Panama is hoping for its second title in 2018 Central American Bowl final
Panama has been a powerhouse in Group A, first defeating Honduras 55-6 and then whipping El Salvador 49-0. Costa Rica in Group B has reached the final by beating Guatemala 21-0 and then Nicaragua 20-13.
Team Costa Rica following win over Nicaragua
Costa Rica’s quarterback Scott Doherty (dual citizenship) on his team’s performance so far and prospects for the final:
“We have played well at times but have not put 4 solid quarters together. For us to beat Panama we will need to play good football from start to finish. Panama has been the most impressive team throughout the tournament with their combination of size and speed. They have not been tested so far and we hope to put them in some uncomfortable situations. We are definitely the underdogs but anything can happen when you execute a game plan.”