Panama close women’s under-17 qualifiers with win

Panama defeated Jamaica 3-1 in the final round of Concacaf Women’s Under-17 qualifying in Alajuela. The victory gave Panama three points and third place in Group C, while Jamaica ended the competition without a point in fourth position.

Captain Cristabella Ríos opened the scoring following a corner, but Jamara Jones equalised after a defensive mistake early in the second half. Naomi Zafrani restored Panama’s advantage in the 81st minute after controlling Guillehely Distancia’s cross inside the penalty area.

Poppy Wakefield added the final goal in stoppage time. Zafrani and Wakefield both scored their first goals in the tournament, while Ríos finished as Panama’s leading scorer with three. The result was Panama’s first victory over Jamaica in the competition’s history.