India held to 1-1 draw by Panama in Bengaluru as Ryan Williams and Abhishek Singh Tekcham stand out
India and Panama played to a 1-1 draw at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on September 25, 2026, with the match ending all square after a second-half equaliser. The result came after India had led at halftime courtesy of Ryan Williams’ goal.
India, labelled the Blue Tigers in the report, started the game positively and created several early openings; Ryan Williams had an effort blocked in the box and later fired an out-of-the-box attempt wide before converting in the 41st minute. The India goal arrived after Akash Mishra played a lobbed pass over the Panama defence, allowing Williams to make a timed run and finish, giving India the lead heading into halftime against a Panama side that is a FIFA World Cup 2026 participant.
Panama responded strongly after the break and eventually levelled in the 68th minute through substitute Omar Valencia, who scored with a powerful strike; Panama applied pressure through sustained spells after halftime. India produced late chances — Edmund and Manvir Singh each came close to restoring the lead — but the match finished 1-1.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu conceded the equaliser but was credited with several important saves and involvement in build-up play, though the report noted occasional shakiness in his distribution and a tendency to clear rather than retain possession. Abhishek Singh Tekcham was singled out as among the best performers, described as dominant on the right side both defensively and offensively and credited with crucial late interceptions that helped preserve the draw.
At centre-back, Bijoy partnered Anwar Ali in Sandesh Jhingan’s absence and provided a composed performance overall while also producing some risky tight passes; Anwar Ali was described as the heart of India’s defence, making clearances and interceptions and being mentioned as a Player of the Match candidate. Akash Mishra operated at left-back, provided the assist for Williams’ goal with his weaker foot, and was noted for progressive passing and defensive solidity despite an observation that he may have lost some pace after a recent injury.
In midfield, Apuia was reported to have outclassed Panama’s midfield with a strong two-way contribution, while Ricky Shabong was described as decent with some key interceptions but could have pressed better. Among the forwards, Vikram Partap Singh was praised for his pressing and leadership on the frontline, Ashique Kuruniyan produced a good pass to Edmund but was advised to improve his off-the-ball positioning, and Manvir Singh was credited for using his physicality and pressing effectively.
Substitute assessments and Panama individual ratings were provided: Marcos Antonio de León Reyes – 6/10 was described as steady but unspectacular in goal; Caesar Blackman offered leadership and organisation at the back; Víctor Alfredo Griffith Mullins – 6/10 had a disciplined midfield outing; Tomás Abdiel Rodríguez Misser – 7/10 showed energy going forward; Rafael Mosquera struggled with possession retention despite physical duels; Giovany Herbert brought aggression; Mijahir Jiménez showed energy and attacking intent; Eduardo Gomez Anderson – 6.5/10 delivered a reliable defensive shift; Jones and Michael Amir Murillo – 6/10 were noted for physicality and work on the flank respectively. Jair Ameth Modelo – 7.5/10 was described as heavily involved across phases and a consistent attacking outlet, while Carrasquilla, Londoño and Carlos Miguel each provided positive contributions after coming on. Omar Javier Valencia – 7.5/10 was highlighted for scoring the equaliser and continuing to cause problems for India.
The match finished 1-1, with Ryan Williams scoring for India and Omar Valencia scoring the equaliser for Panama. For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
