CONCACAF U-20 wrap: Hosts Guatemala into semis

Host nation Guatemala progressed to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Under-20 Championships on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over the United States.

Gerson Lima gave Guatemala the lead after 33 minutes, but the US hit back after 66 minutes with a goal from striker Conor Doyle.

The hosts hit back three minutes later, when Henry Lopez scored the winner to book his country’s spot in the final four, while the American’s surprise exit means they have failed to qualify for this year’s Under-20 World Cup in Colombia – the first time since 1995 they have failed to do so.

Guatemala now progress to Friday’s semi-final, where they will play a Costa Rica side who thrashed Cuba 6-1 on Tuesday.

Wednesday’s other quarter-final saw Panama defeat Honduras 2-0.

Jose Alvarez fired the Panamanians ahead six minutes after half-time, and Cecilio Waterman made sure of the result five minutes before full-time.

Guatemala will play Mexico in the other semi-final, after the Mexicans comfortably accounted for Canada 3-0 on Tuesday.