PANAMA CITY, Panama – Panama enjoyed a victorious end to their campaign for Concacaf World Cup Qualifying for Qatar 2022 with a 1-0 triumph over table-toppers Canada on Wednesday night at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama on the 14th and final matchday of the Third Round of CWCQ.
It was a tight first 45 minutes between the two sides, with each trying to carve out chances deep in the opposing half, but neither was able to get a clean shot on goal against the two GKs, Luis Mejia of Panama and Maxime Crepeau of Canada.
Panama came out with a new level of energy to begin the second half and they were richly rewarded with the opening goal, as a pass flighted in from Jose Rodriguez found the streaking Gabriel Torres, who volleyed into net for a 1-0 lead in the 49’.
¿Se lo perdió? No se preocupe, aquí tenemos el gol panameño 🇵🇦💪 #CWCQ pic.twitter.com/QzUP6jrLr3
— Concacaf (@Concacaf) March 31, 2022
Mejia then came up with a big save to keep Panama’s lead intact, as the home shot-stopper reacted to block Jonathan David’s attempt off a cross.
Panama were keen to find an insurance goal and it nearly arrived via an Edgar Barcenas free kick in the 77’ that forced a big stretch save from Crepeau.
Canada had several late looks to level the score, but the spoils would belong to Panama, while Canada secured a first-place finish despite the defeat.
