Nicaragua Defeats Panama in a Dramatic

Five-Set Battle to Claim First Place in Pool A

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, October 19, 2025.– Nicaragua earned an exciting five-set victory (25-27, 25-20, 25-17, 21-25, 19-17) over Panama, securing first place in Pool A of the men’s volleyball tournament at the 12th Central American Games Guatemala 2025.

Nicaragua closed the preliminary round with a perfect 3-0 record, while Panama finished second at 2-1. Both teams had already secured their spots in Monday’s semifinals and now await the outcome of Pool B to determine their opponents.

The match was a fierce battle from start to finish, with tight scores and constant ties. The opening set ended dramatically in extra points when a blocking error by Álvaro Solís on a powerful attack from Félix Williams handed Panama the lead.

Nicaragua bounced back in the second set, taking control after the 11-point mark and maintaining the advantage thanks to strong blocking, led by Axel Gutiérrez, who repeatedly stopped Panama’s top scorer Gherson Ortíz. Jonny Zeledón also stood out as one of Nicaragua’s most effective attackers.

In the third set, Nicaragua dictated the rhythm, building a 10-6 lead and closing the set confidently to move ahead 2-1.

Panama, forced to respond, came out strong in the fourth set (11-4), driven by Víctor Pérez and Róger Otton, successfully extending the match. A service ace from Astergio Díaz that Zeledón failed to receive sealed the set for Panama, sending the contest to a decisive fifth.

The tiebreak reflected the intensity of the entire match. Nicaragua came from behind after trailing 1-4 to tie the score at 6. With solid serving, they took an 8-6 advantage, but Panama fought back again. In a thrilling finish, Nicaragua claimed the victory 19-17 with a key block by Solís on Daniel Andrade, securing the top spot in the pool.

ALBUM NCA vs PAN

Statistically, Nicaragua held the edge in attacks (72-66) and blocks (15-7). Both teams scored one point from aces, while Nicaragua committed 32 errors to Panama’s 27.

Team captain Axel Gutiérrez delivered a stellar performance, scoring 35 points, the highest individual tally of the tournament so far. He was supported by Jonny Zeledón with 17 points, Víctor Fonseca with 15, and Emilio Andrews with 11. For Panama, Víctor Pérez and Gherson Ortíz led with 11 points apiece.

Nicaragua’s coach, Jorge Luis Mena, said: “Teamwork allowed us to finish the group stage undefeated. Today the substitutions worked exactly when we needed them. We could have closed it in four sets, but Panama managed to come back. Even when we were trailing in the fifth, the changes paid off. Our goal is to reach the gold medal match.”

Panama’s coach, Alexis Flórez, commented: “The guys played really well. Someone had to win. Now we have to prepare for the most important match of the event — the semifinal.”