Raúl Jiménez’s clinical finish and a breakout assist from 16-year-old Gilberto Mora secured Mexico’s place in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Honduras in Glendale.
With tension thick in the desert air, El Tri found their breakthrough just five minutes into the second half. Alexis Vega unlocked the play with a neat ball into Mora, whose composure belied his age as he slipped a perfectly timed pass to Jiménez.
The veteran striker made no mistake, rifling past Edrick Menjívar for his 42nd international goal. It was a moment of brilliance in a match that had offered little in the way of attacking rhythm during a cagey first half.
Mexico thought they had doubled the lead shortly after when Edson Álvarez bundled home from a set piece. But VAR had its say, ruling the goal out for offside to the dismay of the El Tri faithful packed into State Farm Stadium.
Despite flashes of threat from Honduras, ranked 75th in the world, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Luis Malagón remained largely untested, as Mexico’s well-drilled back line absorbed pressure and dictated the tempo.
The match’s only flashpoint came early, when a sideline scramble between Romell Quioto and Guillermo Ochoa sparked a minor fracas. The veteran Mexican keeper received a yellow card, setting the tone for a contest that simmered without ever boiling over.
Honduras, making their first semi-final appearance since 2013, exit after an encouraging run that began with a 6-0 thrashing by Canada. Mexico, chasing a record-extending 10th Gold Cup crown, now turn their attention to a familiar final foe: the United States.
The two giants will meet for the eighth time in a Gold Cup final on Sunday in Houston. With Mexico holding a 5-2 edge in those clashes, history and a rising young talent in Mora, might just be on their side.
