América de Cali secured their qualification to the Copa Sudamericana group stage this Thursday after defeating Junior 3-4 in penalties in Barranquilla, following a 2-2 draw in regular time. The match was decided in a thrilling penalty shootout after a game full of ups and downs and great emotions for both teams.

In the first half, América took the lead at the Estadio Metropolitano de Barranquilla with goals from wingers Jan Lucumí and Duván Vergara. However, the Cali team could have extended their lead before the break, but creative midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero missed a penalty that could have made it 0-3 for the visitors.

Despite América's early advantage, the second half was completely different. The home team, managed by César Farías, leveled the score with a brace from Paraguayan Guillermo Paiva. First, Paiva reduced the deficit in the 54th minute with a great finish after a collective play, and then, in the 71st minute, he scored the equalizer with a header from a cross by Luis 'Cariaco' González.

The penalty shootout was key for América de Cali’s qualification. The goals were scored by Juan Fernando Quintero, Argentine Rodrigo Holgado, goalkeeper Jorge Soto, and midfielder Rafael Carrascal, while winger Cristian Barrios missed his penalty. For Junior, goals came from Luis 'Cariaco' González, Jordan Barrera, and Javier Báez, while Steven Rodríguez and Guillermo Paiva missed.

Exciting penalty shootout sealed the Red Devils' qualification

América de Cali could have decided the series before the penalties when, in the 6th minute, center-back José Cuenú fouled Peruvian striker Luis Ramos inside the area. However, Quintero’s penalty was saved by Uruguayan goalkeeper Santiago Mele.

In the end, after a back-and-forth game, the series was decided by penalties, with América securing their place in the Copa Sudamericana group stage. The Red Devils continue to dream of the title in this continental tournament after a dramatic draw and a great penalty shootout performance.