New Delhi: India produced a spirited performance to hold 2026 World Cup participants Panama to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.
India started brightly and created opportunities in the opening stages, with Ryan Williams coming close on a couple of occasions. The winger eventually made his chance count just before half time.
Williams received a long pass and raced into the penalty area before finding himself one on one with the Panama goalkeeper. Showing composure under pressure, he calmly finished the opportunity to give India the lead.
Panama returned for the second half with greater attacking intent and eventually found the equaliser through Omar Valencia. The forward produced a moment of individual brilliance, unleashing a powerful left footed shot from outside the penalty area that flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with little chance.
The equaliser opened up the contest, with both sides pushing forward in search of a winning goal. India continued to threaten while Panama also created opportunities as the match became increasingly open.
Neither team, however, could find the decisive finish in the closing stages. India held on to secure an impressive 1-1 draw against the higher ranked Panamanian side.
The result gives India a notable performance against a team ranked 44th in the world and featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Williams’ first half goal provided India with an early advantage, while Valencia’s spectacular strike ensured Panama avoided defeat in Bengaluru.
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