Cancún, Quintana Roo — The Mayas de Cancún captured the NFL Flag Championship U-15 world title on Sunday in Indianapolis, defeating Panama 20-7 in the final held in Westfield, Indiana.
Debanhi Sifuentes, a player from Cancún, was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, capping a historic performance for the Quintana Roo flag football team.
The victory marked a new international title for Mexico, following the team’s continental championship in January. The win carried extra significance as it avenged their only group-stage loss, also against Panama.
Coached by Sergio Ángel Orozco Medellín and assistant Emilio “Titán” Fernández, the Mayas advanced to the final after a dominant group stage. They beat New Zealand 26-6, Great Britain 28-0, and Germany 28-6. In the semifinals, they again defeated New Zealand 27-7.
In the championship game, the Mayas took control early, leading 13-7 at halftime. The defense came up with two interceptions that led to touchdowns, and a trick play in the second half extended the lead to seal the 20-7 victory.
The team finished the tournament with a 5-1 record, scoring 148 points while allowing just 40.
“This victory cost us a lot. It was months of preparation, but in the end it was worth it,” Sifuentes said.
Coach Orozco Medellín praised his players’ mental toughness. “I’m very happy for the girls. They did intense work, more mental than physical. Today they showed me many things, and I’m very proud of them, and grateful to the families and all the Mayas supporters,” he said.
The championship roster includes Vania Martínez, Debanhi Sifuentes, Sofía Bustamante, Valentina Ávila, Sarahí Simonnen, María Ze González, Renata Santiago, Paloma Simonnen, Celeste Chan, and Victoria Ávila.
The team is scheduled to arrive back in Cancún from Indianapolis on Monday at 8:15 a.m.
