Diaz, Torres goals complete Panama comeback vs. Nicaragua

Associated Press

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Ismael Diaz and Gabriel Torres scored seven minutes apart as Panama leapt into the Group B lead at the 2017 Gold Cup with a 2-1 victory over Nicaragua in Tampa.

Panama, who drew with the United States in their opening match, faced a deficit just after the break when Carlos Chavarria pounced on an errant pass and rifled his right-footed shoot past a helpless Jose Calderon in the Panamanian goal.

However, Nicaragua's lead would only last two minutes as Diaz leveled the score -- firing high into the net after some fancy footwork in the box and a fine layoff from Miguel Camargo.

And Panama sealed the points in the 57th minute through Torres, who side-footed home Roderick Miller's pass from close range to complete the comeback.

Panama (four points) will finish group play against Martinique on Saturday, while Nicaragua (zero points) will close with the U.S. in Cleveland the same day.