The Honduras Men's National Team opened the Hexagonal with a 1-0 home defeat to Panama on Friday in San Pedro Sula.
Sporting Kansas City midfielder Roger Espinoza was an unused substitute at Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano as Honduras' winless streak against Panama hit nine competitive matches dating back to 2007.
Center back Fidel Escobar notched the decisive goal in the 22nd minute, blasting a 22-yard free kick that deflected into the back of the net past Honduran goalkeeper Donis Escober. The result puts Honduras in an early hole in CONCACAF's final round of World Cup qualifying, while Panama makes a positive start in its bid for a maiden World Cup appearance.