Castro powers Cartaginés over Motagua in Play-In First Leg | OneFootball

CARTAGO, Costa Rica - The 2025 Concacaf Central American Cup continued with CS Cartaginés earning a 1-nil win against FC Motagua in the First Leg of their Play-In series on Tuesday at Estadio José Rafael Fello Meza in Cartago, Costa Rica.

Marco Ureña came close to placing Cartaginés in the lead in the 37’, with a right-footed hit from outside the box that bounced off the base of the right post. 

Motagua goalkeeper Marlon Licona pulled off an important save in the 45’+1’ to deny a long-range attempt from Ureña.

The hosts generated two dangerous chances in the 60’ and 61’ in search of the opener. First, with a header from Mauro Quiroga from the center of the box that was met by a save from Licona, followed by a header from Everardo Rubio in the subsequent corner that was just wide of the left post. 

Substitute Geancarlo Castro struck the late winner for Cartaginés in the 90’+2’, capitalizing on a rebound following a short clearance from Licona, and scoring with a header from the center of the box. 

Goalkeeper Kevin Briceño delivered a solid performance for Cartaginés, posting two saves as he recorded a clean sheet. 

Cartaginés will defend its 1-nil advantage on the road when the sides meet for the Second Leg next Wednesday in Honduras. The winner on aggregate will earn a berth to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.