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Costa Rica saw off Panama in the South American C Championship on Wednesday. In winning 41-10 Costa Rica secured its place in the tournament final against Guatemala on Saturday. Panama will face El Salvador in the Bronze Final.
Costa Rica were made to work hard for their win. Panama started strongly with Pablo Gaitan scoring early. The outside center’s try was converted to give Panama a dream start. Costa Rica, though, would soon back on even terms after scrum-half Donovan Molina converted Costa Rica’s opening try.
With both teams vying for position the opening half proved to be highly competitive. Costa Rica managed a second try in what would be the only remaining points of the half.
The 12-7 half time lead would be extended upon early in the second half. Two further tries gave Costa Rica a 24-7 advantage. Panama’s response was a penalty but the kick would be the one and only score of Panama in the second half. Costa Rica’s strong second half saw three further tries.
The impressive win sees Costa Rica joining Guatemala in being undefeated after two rounds. The teams will meet in the final on Saturday. On the line will be the right to face Ecuador in 2017 in repechage. The winner of that fixture will play in the 2017 South American B Championship.
