LPF results: Emotional start to Apertura 2026 tournament

The Panamanian Football League kicked off its Apertura 2026 tournament with an action-packed opening round that saw mixed results and exciting finishes. The inaugural match on Friday, July 24, featured Deportivo Árabe Unido and Plaza Amador, who played to a 2-2 draw at the Estadio Armando Dely Valdés. This closely contested game set the tone for the rest of the weekend's fixtures. Saturday saw Alianza FC and UMECIT FC unable to find the back of the net, resulting in a goalless draw at the Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez. In a surprising upset, San Francisco FC, managed by Jorge Dely Valdés, defeated Universitario 2-1 in Penonomé. Ronaldo Dinolis scored early for San Francisco, with Víctor Medina extending their lead before Iván Anderson pulled one back for the home side. Herrera FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Unión Coclé in Parita, thanks to a goal from David Castillo. The Jornada 1 action concluded Sunday night with Veraguas United and Club Atlético Independiente drawing 1-1 in Santiago. Miguel Camargo scored for the hosts, but Martín Morán equalized for Independiente. The first round will officially conclude on Monday, July 27, with a match between Tauro and Sporting SM.