HEREDIA, Costa Rica – Concacaf heavyweights Herediano of Costa Rica and Arabe Unido of Panama are set to duel in the first leg of the 2018 Scotiabank Concacaf League semifinals on Thursday night at the Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero in Heredia.

There will be a different look to 2015/16 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League semifinalists Herediano when it takes the field, with the presence of new Head Coach Paulo Cesar Wanchope on the sides. 

Last Friday, the former Costa Rica international replaced Jaime De La Pava, who had guided the Tico side past Santa Tecla (2-2) in the Round of 16 and CD Universitario (5-1) in the quarterfinals.

But if there is one constant about Herediano, it is its home form in Concacaf play. The Heredia-based club has not lost in its last four home matches in Concacaf tournaments (3W-1D) and should pose a stiff challenge for the visiting Panamanians.

Arabe Unido rolls into Thursday’s encounter after impressive series wins over Arnett Gardens (4-2) and CD FAS (4-1).

A year after reaching the 2017 SCL semifinals, the Canalero club is keen to go one step further in 2018. 

With seven goals scored in the second half of matches in the 2018 SCL, Arabe Unido is a team that cannot be taken lightly throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Eladio Rosabal Cordero Stadium

Thursday September 20, 2018 10:00 pm ET

R: Hector Said Martínez (HON)

AR1 Christian Ramírez (HON), AR2 Walter Enrique Lopez (HON) 4th Héctor Rodríguez (HON)