TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Panama won its first international title on Sunday, outlasting Costa Rica 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw to win the Central American Nations Cup.

The victory avenged Panama's loss to Costa Rica in the 2007 final, when the Ticos prevailed on penalties 4-1 on Panama in El Salvador.

It was the third straight time the final of the Copa de Naciones Digicel de UNCAF was decided on penalties, and ended Costa Rica's six-year reign. It has won the most Central American titles, six, including the previous three.

Amilcar Henriquez converted the winning penalty, shooting into the roof of the net. Paolo Jimenez opened the door for Panama's victory, pulling his penalty attempt wide left and leaving Panama ahead 3-2.

The victory avenged Panama's only loss in four games, 3-0 to Costa Rica in the tournament opener. Costa Rica allowed only one goal in four games. Both teams will lead Central America's five-team contingent to the CONCACAF Gold Cup later this year, joining Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Earlier Sunday, Honduras claimed third place, beating El Salvador 1-0 on a 30th-minute goal by Roger Espinoza. Both sides finished the match with 10 men. Amado Guevara was sent off in the 76th minute, his second expulsion in the tournament, while Shawn Martin followed in injury time.

The five Central American sides will join Canada, Mexico and the United States from the North Zone in the Gold Cup, with Jamaica, Grenada, Guadeloupe and Cuba from the Caribbean.