SANTA CLARA: Mexico will face the US in the Concacaf Gold Cup final after a second-half strike by Raul Jimenez earned the defending champions a 1-0 win over Honduras at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday.
Mexico had the lion’s share of possession, but lacked quality in the final third. They were rewarded for their efforts when 16-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora delivered a great pass to Jimenez, who fired an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar in the 50th minute to put Mexico ahead.
Edson Alvarez thought he had doubled Mexico’s lead three minutes later with a simple tap-in following a set piece, but the defensive midfielder’s effort was ruled offside after a lengthy VAR check.
Mexico are chasing a record-extending 10th Gold Cup title, while the US are eyeing an eighth crown. The US beat Guatemala 2-1 in the first semi-final on Wednesday.