Archive · 26 Sep 2026
India Hold World No. 44 Panama to Historic Draw
India’s football team played Panama in a friendly match in Bengaluru.
Panama is ranked much higher than India in the FIFA rankings.
India scored first through Ryan Williams.
Reports disagree slightly about whether he scored in the 41st or 43rd minute.
Panama equalized in the 68th minute through Omar Valencia.
India continued attacking instead of only defending after conceding.
Defender Anwar Ali helped India deal with Panama’s attacks.
Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also made an important save.
The draw gives India confidence before matches against Brazil and Uruguay.
India drew 1-1 with FIFA-ranked 44th Panama in an international friendly at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday, September 25.
Ryan Williams gave India the lead, with reports placing his goal in either the 41st or 43rd minute.
Panama’s Omar Valencia equalized in the 68th minute with a powerful, dipping left-footed shot.
India showed attacking intent and defensive resilience, with Anwar Ali making a strong contribution.
The result boosted India’s confidence before friendlies against Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6.
- Who
- India and Panama, with Ryan Williams and Omar Valencia scoring for their teams.
- What
- The teams drew 1-1 in a FIFA international friendly.
- When
- Friday, September 25; India’s goal was reported in the 41st or 43rd minute, and Panama equalized in the 68th minute.
- Where
- Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, India.
- Why
- The match was an international friendly and preparation for India’s upcoming games against Brazil and Uruguay.
- Result
- India 1-1 Panama
- Venue
- Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
- Panama ranking
- 44th in the FIFA rankings
- India ranking
- 138th in the FIFA rankings
- India scorer
- Ryan Williams, reported to have scored in the 41st or 43rd minute
- Panama scorer
- Omar Valencia, 68th minute
- Upcoming fixtures
- Brazil in Kolkata on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6
