Osael Romero scored two goals, including the winner in the 86th minute, to give El Salvador a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica in Group A at the Gold Cup on Friday.

El Salvador went top of the group on goals scored, after Canada defeated Jamaica 1-0 in the Cup opener.

Romero's winner came as he intercepted an attempted defensive clearance and scored on a low 16-yard shot before an overwhelmingly pro-El Salvador crowd.

El Salvador broke a 12-game winless streak against Costa Rica dating from 1997.

Romero, a midfielder from the Vista Hermosa club, scored his first goal in the 20th minute on a diagonal 8-yard shot.

Midfielder Warren Granados equalised for Costa Rica in the 64th minute with a sliding 5-yard shot under the crossbar.