India Holds Panama
India secures an impressive 1-1 draw against World Cup-qualified Panama in Bengaluru.
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Key Points
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Panama’s squad included 12 players who had featured at the 2026 World Cup, underlining the level of opposition India faced.
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Only 9,039 fans attended at Sree Kanteerava Stadium; the sparse crowd followed pre-match discussion about ticket prices and the limited build-up to the fixture.
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Panama had also qualified for the 2018 World Cup and finished runners-up in the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League.
India drew 1-1 with 44th-ranked Panama in Bengaluru on September 25, a major result for the 138th-ranked Blue Tigers. News18 reported that Ryan Williams scored in the 41st minute, but Omar Valencia equalized with a long-range strike in the 68th minute. The friendly marked India's first-ever senior meeting with Panama and opens a demanding run that includes Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6.
The Hindu noted that India competed strongly against an experienced Panama side with 12 players who featured at the 2026 World Cup. Only 9,039 fans attended Sree Kanteerava Stadium, a sparse crowd that followed pre-match discussion about ticket prices starting at ₹849. Despite the ranking gap of 94 places, head coach Khalid Jamil's tactical setup disrupted Panama's game plan throughout the match.
Ryan Williams Puts India Ahead Early
Rediff reported that forward Ryan Williams, an Australian-born player of Indian descent, opened the scoring for India in the 41st minute. Williams received a long pass from left-back Akash Mishra and finished with precision. The goal gave India a 1-0 lead heading into halftime against a Panama team ranked 94 spots higher in FIFA's global standings.
Panama Strikes Back With Valencia's Long-Range Equalizer
Outlook India stated that Omar Valencia equalized for Panama in the 68th minute with a powerful long-range strike past goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The goal came as Panama increased pressure in the second half. Despite the equalizer, India held firm defensively and the match ended 1-1, denying Panama a win against a team ranked 94 places below them in FIFA's standings.
Historic First Meeting Showcases India's Defensive Growth
Daily Hunt called the draw 'the best result under head coach Khalid Jamil.' India entered on a four-match winless streak but showed improved organization against World Cup-level opposition. The Indian Express highlighted that India pulled off 'one of their best results in recent times' by holding a team that competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The crowd gave India a standing ovation as they executed Jamil's compact defensive structure effectively.
Panama's squad included players from elite overseas leagues and 12 who featured in their 2026 World Cup campaign. The match marked India's return to Sree Kanteerava Stadium for an international friendly since winning the SAFF Championship there in 2023. Rediff noted the result provides valuable FIFA ranking points and morale before India faces Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata.
Sparse Crowd Reflects Promotion and Pricing Challenges
Only 9,039 spectators attended the Sree Kanteerava Stadium despite Panama's status as a World Cup nation. The Hindu reported that ticket prices starting at ₹849 and limited build-up to the fixture discouraged fans from attending. Local observers noted Panama struggled to adapt to Indian conditions and fan hostility. The low attendance contrasted sharply with the high profile of the opponent and Khalid Jamil's tactical achievement in holding a top-50 FIFA-ranked side.
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