Panama stunned a hugely pro-Mexican crowd in Dallas on Wednesday night, posting a 2-1 win over El Tri to advance to the Gold Cup final against the USA.
The Mexican loss breaks their string of three straight finals, and ends their title run at two.
Central defender Roman Torres got the game-winning goal in the 61st minute, ghosting past Joel Huiqui to nod home just inside the back post off a corner kick.
The two teams had traded goals in the first half. FC Dallas forward Blas Perez opened the scoring in the 13th minute, punishing a bad Mexican turnover at the back. Luis Montes got the lone Mexican goal on the night, heading home a cross from Marco Fabian.
Both teams had, and spurned, numerous chances to add to their respective scorelines.
Panama's win marks their first return to the finals since 2005, when they lost to the US on penalties. Mexico and the US have split the last six Gold Cups with three wins a piece. Panama will be looking for their first title.
