Defending champions Panama held off the challenge of Guatemala to secure a place in the semi-finals ©CONCACAF

Defending champions Panama held off the challenge of Guatemala to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football Beach Soccer Championship in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

Panama earned a hard-fought 6-4 win to continue their pursuit of retaining their title.

They had raced into a 4-0 lead thanks to a Luis Quintero brace and goals from Eliecer Garcia and Rafael Garcia, before Guatemala hit back to set up a nervy finish.

Victory for Panama was sealed late on by Eliecer Garcia.

Mexico edged Trinidad and Tobago 5-4 to set up a semi-final meeting with Panama ©CONCACAF
Mexico edged Trinidad and Tobago 5-4 to set up a semi-final meeting with Panama ©CONCACAF

Panama will go up against Mexico, who edged Trinidad and Tobago 5-4 in another thrilling quarter-final clash.

The United States are also through after they eased to a 5-1 win over Guadeloupe.

Their opponents in the last four will be El Salvador, who were on the right side of an 8-4 scoreline in their encounter with The Bahamas.

Both semi-finals are due to be held tomorrow.