On the afternoon of April 19, the Panama U-17 men’s national team made history by defeating Bolivia 4-1 and securing the bronze medal at the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026, which are being held for the first time in the Panamanian isthmus.
In a match where the “Rojita Sub-17” made their home advantage count, they showed their best strengths from the opening whistle, combining pressing, team play down both the right and left flanks, and efficiency in front of goal perfect ingredients to dismantle the Bolivian side.
The first goal came after a recovery in midfield, where Luca Ian Centella combined with Alfredo Maduro, and Centella himself continued the play, controlled the ball, and finished with his left foot in the 5th minute. Later, in the 19th minute, Bolivian player Leonel Alarcón scored an own goal after a slight deflection that surprised the goalkeeper. Prior to that play, Oliver Pinzón had made a diving header that helped create the goal.
The third goal was scored by Alfredo Maduro in the 31st minute after a brilliant assist from Alexander Tull, and Alberto Adams made it 4-0 in the 42nd minute with a finish into the back of the net.
A whirlwind formed in the Bolivian defensive area, as the Panamanian team maintained a constant rhythm. Bolivia could not find any attacking paths, as their plays were quickly cut off by Panama’s pressing. There was no reaction from the visitors in either half of the match. It was only in the final stretch, in the 83rd minute, that Saul Choquevillca Mamani scored a consolation goal from the penalty spot.
With this result, Panama climbs onto the South American podium at home, in the iconic Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez Stadium, with their fans supporting them from start to finish, chanting “Panama” in the stands
