Costa Rica beat hosts Guatemala on penalties today to win the final of the inaugural IBSA Blind Football Central American Championships ©IBSA Blind Football/Facebook

Costa Rica beat hosts Guatemala on penalties today to win the final of the inaugural International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Blind Football Central American Championships.

Following a 1-1 draw after regulation time, the Costa Ricans triumphed 3-2 in the shootout at the stadium in Guatemala City.

Victory secures the country qualification for the 2018 IBSA Blind Football World Championships.

The global event is scheduled to take place in Spain’s capital Madrid from June 5 to 18.

Costa Rica won 3-2 on penalties ©IBSA Blind Football/Facebook
Costa Rica won 3-2 on penalties ©IBSA Blind Football/Facebook

Earlier today, Honduras defeated El Salvador 2-0 in the third-place play-off.

Kelvin Castillo scored both goals.

The IBSA Blind Football Central American Championships were hosted by the Guatemalan Committee for the Blind and Deaf.

They form part of IBSA’s Central American Blind Football Development Project, utilising support from the International Paralympic Committee to develop and spread the game to the region.