Ryan Williams’ first-half goal helped India secure a 1–1 draw against higher-ranked Panama as the Blue Tigers displayed courage, discipline and attacking intent.
Kolkata, September 25: India and Panama ended their FIFA friendly with a 1–1 draw, as 44th-ranked Panama stopped India from snatching the win. The courageous Blue Tigers displayed an impressive performance against the recent World Cup competitor Panama on Friday evening at the Kanteerava Stadium.
The mindset of the Indian footballers was evident throughout the game, as the Blue Tigers refused to give an inch on their home soil. For Christiansen Thomas and Panama, the confidence of securing a more dominant margin before stepping onto the field was met with a strong response from India, with Anwar Ali and the defensive brigade standing firm tonight.
In the first quarter of the match, both teams were playing on the attack. In the 17th minute, almost every Indian fan held their breath as Ryan Williams’ grounder just missed the goal by inches.
In the response within seven minutes, receiving a through ball from the left, Jair Ameth Modelo ran into the box and closely attempted a shot, but Anwar Ali’s interception cleared Panama’s effort.
Though before the half-time whistle, India took the lead, and as per the game’s display, keeping aside the opponent and their ranking, it was expected. Akash Mishra from the left sent a defence-splitting through ball to Ryan Williams, who moved forward and, from inside the box, placed the ball into the net to give India a 1–0 lead.
The second half resumed with nothing changing, and within 65 minutes, India created their second clear goal-scoring chance. Receiving a cross on the right side inside the box, Manvir took a turn and passed the ball to Ryan, though the defence was alert this time to deny Ryan.
Within three minutes, Panama equalised the score, leaving Gurpreet watching. Rather, Gurpreet was left watching without giving any reaction. With a long-range shot, Omar Javier found the net to make the score 1–1. Probably the only mistake by the Indian defence in the game.
But the attacks from the Indian players didn’t stop here. In the 80th minute, Ashique from the left sent a cross to the second post, which Edmund attempted to meet but missed the target by a very close margin. In the next minute, Edmund set the ball for Manvir inside the box, but after getting a touch, Manvir missed the chance due to bare connection with the ball.
As the game progressed, fresh legs came on for both teams, but the scenario of the game didn’t change, as India kept pressing high and left Panama with long-range attempts, while the Blue Tigers’ defence kept their box well secured.
India held their ground until the final whistle, settling for a 1–1 draw against a higher-ranked Panama. The Blue Tigers showed courage, discipline and intent throughout the game, leaving Kanteerava with a result that reflected their performance on the night.
The numbers also reflected how closely India competed with Panama. Despite having 47% possession to Panama’s 53%, the Blue Tigers created eight chances, just one fewer than their opponents. India registered nine shots compared to Panama’s 12, while the visitors managed four efforts on target against India’s one.
Over the years, these Indian players have shared the pitch with footballers from different countries, both as teammates and opponents. That experience was visible at Kanteerava, as Khalid Jamil’s boys stood their ground against a higher-ranked Panama and continued to fight until the final whistle. With something bigger is waiting now on the horizon.
As India now enters one of their biggest friendly stretches against Brazil and Uruguay, this performance against Panama will give the Blue Tigers the courage to play out with the same heart, and their ability. And for the Indian football admirers, it will be a chance to witness their players taking on two of the biggest names in world football, with the hope of seeing something memorable.
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