By Victor Kanayo
Mexico early Monday emerged victorious against Panama in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League to lift the title for the first time.
This was after Raul Jimenez scored a brace, including a stoppage-time penalty, to give Mexico a historic 2-1 win over Panama inside Inglewood, California.
With the win, Mexico is the first winner of the nascent tournament other than the United States, after the Americans, who lost to Panama in this year’s semi-final won the first three editions in 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Earlier on Sunday, Canada beat the United States 2-1 in the third-place game, with Jonathan David scoring the winner early in the second half when he sent his shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.
Canada struck first with a goal by Tani Oluwaseyi, but the U.S. responded shortly after with a goal from Patrick Agyemang.
