A tightly contested match with no goals during regular time ended in a dramatic penalty shootout as Colombia secured a place in the final of the CONMEBOL Women’s Copa América 2025.
The first semifinal of the tournament, held on Monday, saw Colombia and Argentina battle to a 0-0 draw over 90 minutes. In the end, it was the penalty shootout that decided the outcome, with Colombia emerging victorious 5-4 after Eliana Stábile’s sixth penalty for Argentina struck the post.
Argentina had the better start, with an early chance in the 8th minute when Yamila Rodríguez found herself one-on-one with Colombian goalkeeper Natalia Tapia, who reacted quickly to deny the striker. Further efforts from Rodríguez, Florencia Bonsegundo, and Aldana Cometti, all from outside the box, kept up the pressure in the opening phase.
After a dominant 20 minutes by Argentina, Colombia gradually found their rhythm and ended the first half on a stronger note.
In the second half, Colombia controlled possession and created several chances through Mayra Ramírez, Catalina Usme, Manuela Pavi, and María Camila Loboa. Despite this, the deadlock remained.
Both teams had clear opportunities in the final ten minutes, Bonsegundo for Argentina and Linda Caicedo for Colombia, but neither could convert. In the dying moments, a potential penalty for Colombia involving Pavi was checked by VAR but ultimately not awarded.
With the score still level, the match proceeded to penalties. After the initial five kicks each, the score was 4-4. In the sixth round, Colombia scored while Argentina missed, sealing Colombia’s place in the final.
As a result, Colombia qualifies for both the final of the tournament, scheduled for Saturday, August 2, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between Brazil and Uruguay. Argentina will compete for third place against the losing side from that match.
