SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 14, 2024.- Panama overcame a tough challenge, battling through a dramatic five-set match to defeat Guatemala 3-2 (13-25, 25-19, 32-30, 14-25, 15-10), and claim an undefeated championship title in the XV AFECAVOL U19 Central American Men’s Volleyball Championship.
With this victory, Panama stamped its name as champions in the category for the first time. Previously, Panama had earned two silver medals in 1986 and 1996, and two bronze medals in 2009 and 2017.
The top three places of the tournament were confirmed with Panama finishing at the top with a perfect 6-0 record. Costa Rica took second place with a 5-1 record, while Guatemala secured third with a 4-2 finish.
Panama had to dig deep and remain composed against a formidable Guatemalan team that led in blocking, earning 22 points to Panama’s 9.
Despite this, Panama was more effective in attack points 49-45 and service points 11-7, though they gave away 35 unforced errors compared to Guatemala’s 30.
Victor Pérez led Panama’s offense with an impressive 26 points, supported by Víctor Araúz with 17. For Guatemala, Omar Mendoza and Christian Álvarez each scored 16 points.
After securing the championship, Panama’s head coach Horacio Angulo said: “We knew it would be a tough match against Guatemala, but we made the necessary adjustments and secured the title. Guatemala gave us a hard time in the first set, but the team stayed calm and focused”.
Meanwhile, Guatemala’s head coach Luis Castañeda reflected: “We never give up on a match. Guatemala is known for its fighting spirit and determination, regardless of the opponent. We leave with a sense of pride; things didn’t go as we hoped, but third place is still a good result”.
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