Saprissa opens Group C with hard-fought win in Panamá

Deportivo Saprissa started its Concacaf Central American Cup campaign with a gritty 2-1 away victory over Panamanian side UMECIT on Wednesday, overcoming a second-half red card to claim three points in Penonomé.

The Costa Rican giants went ahead in first-half stoppage time when Argentine midfielder Mariano Torres curled a free kick that deflected off the wall, struck the post and nestled inside the net. They doubled their lead four minutes after the restart, Orlando Sinclair flicking home from close range after Kendall Waston nodded down a corner.

The match turned in the 62nd minute when forward Luis Paradela was sent off, reducing Saprissa to ten men. UMECIT seized the initiative and pulled a goal back through Alberto Saldaña, who converted a left-wing cross in the 76th minute. The hosts pressed furiously for an equalizer and nearly grabbed it in the 81st minute when Dwan Oliveira's Olympic goal attempt flashed narrowly wide, but Saprissa held on for the win.

Early advantage in Group C

With the victory, Saprissa takes early control of Group C ahead of its next fixture. UMECIT, despite a spirited performance, is left without points and will need immediate results to stay in contention to advance.

The group's other match will set the full initial standings, but the Costa Rican side’s ability to absorb pressure after the expulsion will give the squad confidence as it returns to domestic competition before the next Concacaf outing.