COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Mo Babouli, Michael Petrasso and their teammates all had to wait to see if they advanced in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament.

Babouli and Petrasso both scored as Canada drew Cuba 2-2 on Tuesday in the under-23 soccer tournament. The Canadians then advanced to the semifinal of the tournament a few hours later when the United States beat Panama 4-0.

"It's always nerve-wracking, especially when you're not on the pitch and you're watching on the sideline," said Babouli after Canada finally got confirmation it would move on to the next round of Olympic qualifying.

The top two teams in the tournament will advance to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Third place will face Colombia and the winner of that match will go on to the Games as well.

"It's always an honour to represent your country," said Babouli. "I know not only me, but everyone around me, all the guys on the team, already feel like we've accomplished something. But the mission's not over and we're all looking forward to the next game and making history."

Canada will play Mexico in the semis, while the United States takes on Honduras. Both matches will be on Oct. 10 just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Petrasso gave Canada a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute when a Cuban defender tried to pass back to his goalkeeper but the ball took an awkward bounce, allowing Petrasso to get his foot on it and chip it into the net.

"I've scored in lots of games and I was hoping to get another one tonight," said Petrasso. "I got lucky with the centre back playing it back but I thought I finished it well.

"I'm happy to start off the scoring again for the team."

Arichel Hernandez tied it for Cuba in the 33rd minute.

Babouli scored in the 52nd minute to give Canada a 2-1 lead. His free kick from outside the box eluded the Cuban wall. Cuba's goalkeeper was lined up to catch the ball, but it bounced under his outstretched hands and in to the net.

Hernandez scored again in the 88th minute to pull Cuba even.