Khalid Jamil's India hold Panama to memorable 1-1 draw

It was an unforgettable Friday for the Indian football fans as the Blue Tigers fought on level terms with World Cup participants Panama, forcing a 1-1 draw from their famous visitors at Sree Kanteerava Stadium here.Panama, who played against Ghana, Croatia and England at the World Cup, had to dig deep as they rallied to avoid defeat against 138-ranked India in the FIFA international friendly.The hosts took the lead against the run of play, against a team 94 places above them in the world rankings, thanks to a clinical finish by striker Ryan Williams in the 41st minute. The visitors, who started with just three World Cuppers, made changes at the start of second half and the complexion of the game soon changed.Panama found the equaliser in the 67th minute after the entry of Azarias Londono, Jiovani Ramos and Omar Valencia in the second half. Valencia, the defender who plays for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer, fired Panama’s equaliser with a long-range stunner.It was a well worked goal as Londono relayed the ball to defender Eduardo Gomez who found Valencia with a clear view of the goal. India wasted a golden chance in the 79th minute but Edmund Lalrindika failed to apply finishing touches to a perfectly-weighted pass from Ashique Kuruniyan.Sedate first half: Panama coach Thomas Christiansen was enjoying the cool Bengaluru weather, following a brief spell of rain which took the temperature to 22 degrees Celsius, watching his team press against a dogged Indian defence before his team went behind. The smile on his face vanished as he walked to the dressing room when the referee blew the half-time whistle as Williams put India ahead four minutes before the break.Until then, the visitors held the upper hand with more possession (58 per cent) and more shots (6), two of which were on target. However, the Indian team ensured they gave their famous rivals a good fight. It was a superb result for India coach Khalid Jamil who will now look forward to the same spirited show against former world champions Uruguay and Brazil.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.