India vs Panama: Ryan Williams scores as Blue Tigers earn 1-1 draw in Bengaluru

Image: AIFF

India produced a confident performance against Panama to earn a 1-1 draw at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.

Ryan Williams put India ahead in the 41st minute before Omar Valencia brought Panama level in the second half with a fine strike from outside the penalty area.

Panama came into the match as the higher-ranked side and had also featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But India were not overawed by their opponents and created enough chances to make it a competitive contest throughout.

The visitors enjoyed more of the ball in the opening stages, moving it around patiently in search of an opening. India, however, remained organised at the back and looked dangerous whenever they moved forward.

India created an early opportunity in the eighth minute when Anwar Ali found Ashique Kuruniyan. Ashique moved the ball to Akash Mishra on the left, whose cut-back reached Williams inside the box, but the forward could not get his shot away.

Williams continued to be involved in most of India's attacking moves. His corner in the 15th minute forced Panama goalkeeper Marcos de León Reyes to come off his line and punch clear. Three minutes later, Williams tried his luck from distance but sent his effort narrowly wide.

Ashique also went close in the 26th minute, firing into the side-netting as India began to play with greater confidence.

The breakthrough finally arrived four minutes before half-time.

Akash Mishra played a long ball behind the Panama defence and Williams timed his run well. He brought the ball under control between two defenders before calmly beating Reyes to give India a 1-0 lead.

Panama made three changes at the break and started the second half with greater urgency. India were forced to defend deeper as the visitors increased the pressure.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a comfortable save from Giovany Herbert in the 50th minute, but Panama found their equaliser in the 68th.

Valencia picked up the ball outside the penalty area and struck a dipping shot that flew beyond Gurpreet and into the top-right corner.

The visitors continued to push after the equaliser. Valencia threatened again soon afterwards, while Panama also hit the woodwork from a corner. Gurpreet was called into action again to deny Carlos Harvey, with Anwar Ali and Bijoy Varghese making important blocks as India defended under pressure.

India coach Khalid Jamil made several changes in the closing stages, including the introduction of Anirudh Thapa, who returned to international action after two years.

There was still one final chance for India in stoppage time. Sahal Abdul Samad played Manvir Singh through, but the forward was closed down before he could get a clear shot at goal.

India held on for the draw, completing an encouraging performance against strong opposition.

The result will give the Blue Tigers confidence ahead of their upcoming matches against Brazil and Uruguay in Kolkata.

India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK, C); Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Akash Mishra (Pramveer 90’); Vikram Partap Singh (Edmund Lalrindika 73’), Lalengmawia Ralte, Ricky Shabong (Anirudh Thapa 73’), Ashique Kuruniyan (Jay Gupta 85’); Ryan Williams (Sahal Abdul Samad 73’), Manvir Singh.