Host nation Colombia booked their place in the Copa América Femenina final after defeating Argentina 5-4 in a tense penalty shootout following a 0-0 semi-final draw on Monday evening.
The victory, sealed in front of a passionate home crowd at the Estadio Alfonso López, guarantees Colombia a spot in both the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
After 90 minutes of scoreless football, the tie was decided from the penalty spot. Colombian goalkeeper Katherine Tapia made a crucial save to deny Argentina’s Paulina Gramaglia, but the advantage was immediately nullified when Colombia’s Mayra Ramirez struck the crossbar. With the shootout forced into sudden death, Wendy Bonilla coolly converted Colombia’s sixth attempt. The pressure then fell to Argentina’s Eliana Stabile, whose shot cannoned off the bar, sparking wild celebrations from the Colombian players and fans.
“We are finalists and we qualified for the Olympics… that was our objective,” a jubilant Tapia said after the match. “We are prepared for the final.”
Argentina had started the encounter brightly, with Florencia Bonsegundo and Yamila Rodriguez testing the Colombian defence, but they found Tapia in formidable form. Colombia grew into the game, with Ramirez, Leicy Santos, and teenage star Linda Caicedo probing for an opening, but the Argentine backline held firm.
The second half saw Colombia increase their pressure, with the clearest chance falling to Valerin Loboa, whose point-blank effort was met with a spectacular save from Argentina goalkeeper Solana Pereyra.
The match also featured the first use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the tournament. In stoppage time, the referee reviewed a potential penalty claim after a challenge on Colombia’s Manuela Pavi inside the area but ultimately ruled against awarding a spot-kick.
Colombia will now face perennial favourites and defending champions Brazil in the final on Saturday. Brazil advanced after defeating Paraguay 2-0 in the other semi-final.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.