India vs Panama Player Ratings: Abhishek Tekcham & Ryan Williams shine in thrilling draw
Blue Tigers get a 1-1 draw against Panama.
The Indian football team surprised everyone as they managed to get a 1-1 draw against FIFA World Cup 2026 participant Panama, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The Blue Tigers showed a resilient performance against the Panama side and were leading till the 68th minute of the game.
The Blue Tigers started the game positively and looked eager in the opening stages of the game, as they created a few promising chances. Ryan Williams came very close to opening the goalscoring when he found space in the box but could not take a shot. The forward later tried again from an out-of-the-box shot, which just went wide.
However, Ryan Williams didn’t have to wait longer to find the back of the net. In the 41st minute, Akash Mishra played a beautifully lobbed pass over the Panama defence, and Williams made a timed run and calmly finished to give India a deserving lead heading into the halftime.
Panama came out stronger after the break and began putting India on the back foot. The Blue Tigers remained disciplined, but Panama eventually found the equaliser in the 68th minute when Omar Valencia made it 1-1.
India, however, created chances later in the game when Edmund and Manvir came agonisingly close to give India the lead. In the end India earned a hard-fought draw against Panama.
In this article, we will take a look at the player ratings from India vs Panama.
India Player Ratings (By Ayushman Sharma)
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu- 8/10
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu despite conceding a brilliant goal from Panama, looked solid throughout the game. Sandhu made some crucial saves that kept India in the game and was involved in the build up from the back.
He was however, a little shaky in terms of ball distribution and often cleared the ball rather than keeping the ball possession. But all-in-all, Gurpreet looked very good against Panama.
Abhishek Singh Tekcham- 9/10
Photos : Rajesh G / AIFF
Abhishek Singh Tekcham is probably among the players deserving of the Player of the Match award. The defender was solid on the right side and dominated the Panama players both defensively and offensively throughout the game.
He also made some crucial interceptions in the final moments of the game to keep India in the game at 1-1.
Bijoy Varghese- 8/10
Photos : Rajesh G / AIFF
Bijoy was given the responsibility of pairing up with Anwar Ali at the back in the absence of Sandesh Jhingan, and he did not disappoint at all. Bijoy looked good overall and dealt with the Panama players calmly.
However, there were instances when the centre-back looked a little shaky and made some very tight passes that could have gone either way. But against a FIFA World Cup nation, Bijoy delivered very well.
Anwar Ali- 8/10
Anwar Ali was the heart of the defence for India and made some very good clearances and interceptions throughout the game. The centre-back led the Indian defensive line and made sure that India did well against Panama.
A solid performance from Anwar also makes him a Player of the Match candidate.
Akash Mishra- 9/10
Akash Mishra looked very inspiring in the left-back role for India and delivered very well against Panama. Akash may have lost some of his pace after his recent injury, but his ability to play progressive passes and defensive solidity makes him a perfect fit for India.
The defender provided a crucial assist for Ryan Williams’ goal in the 41st minute with his weaker foot, completely opening up the Panama defence. His performance makes him a bright spot for India.
Apuia- 8.5/10
Apuia completely outclassed the Panama midfield and looked solid for India throughout the game. His presence and control were clearly evident throughout the match.
Apuia contributed both offensively and defensively, making him another bright spot for India from this game.
Ricky Shabong- 7.5/10
Ricky Shabong looked decent in midfield alongside Apuia and made some crucial interceptions during the game.
However, he could have done a better job overall in terms of pressing.
Vikram Partap Singh- 7.5/10
Photos : Rajesh G / AIFF
Vikram Partap Singh clearly showed the grit and determination required to play against a higher-ranked team like Panama. He was constantly pressing the Panama players and forcing them to make mistakes.
He even acted as a leader in the frontline at times, instructing Ryan Williams to press.
Ashique Kuruniyan- 7/10
Photos : Rajesh G / AIFF
Ashique Kuruniyan played well against Panama but could have still done better in terms of his positioning off the ball. He played a very good ball to Edmund in the second half, which should have been converted but wasn’t.
Overall, Ashique looked good and can do even better if he improves his positioning.
Ryan Williams- 9/10
Whenever Ryan Williams plays for India, he gives his heart and soul for the country. The number 10 looked absolutely brilliant tonight and got his name on the scoresheet. He even came close in the first half but could not finish the chance.
But perhaps Ryan Williams is slowly becoming the figure who can take up the role Sunil Chhetri held in the national team.
Manvir Singh- 9/10
Manvir Singh showed what it means to be a forward who keeps pressing and uses his physicality effectively. Manvir was very good for India and looked sharp throughout the game. He constantly put pressure on the Panama defenders and used his strength well to create problems for them.
He also showed some brilliant glimpses going forward and came close to getting on the scoresheet. Overall, Manvir’s performance makes him one of the contenders for the Player of the Match award.
Substitutes
Anirudh Thapa- 7/10
Anirudh Thapa came in the second half and looked decent in the midfield for India. He did cover the ground well and provided a defensive stability in the midfield.
Sahal Abdul Samad- 6.5/10
Sahal looked average against Panama tonight and did not get involved much. He however did a beautiful fake where he opened up play for Manvir Singh in the ending minutes of the game.
Edmund Lalrindika- 6/10
Edmund had some good chances and came on in the second half but looked poor, however he can still improve for the upcoming games.
Jay Gupta – 6/10
Jay Gupta came late in the second half and was decent.
He did not have much time to make a major impact, but overall, Gupta looked good in the limited minutes he got.
Pramveer – 6/10
Pramveer came late in the second half and was decent.
Panama Player Ratings (By Preethi)
Marcos Antonio de León Reyes – 6/10
Marcos Antonio de LeĂłn Reyes had a relatively quiet outing in goal. He was unable to keep a clean sheet after India found the breakthrough, but otherwise remained composed and dealt with the situations that came his way without major errors.
Overall, a steady but unspectacular performance from the Panama goalkeeper.
Caesar Blackman – 6.5/10
Caesar Blackman provided leadership and composure at the back for Panama. He looked organised throughout the game and helped guide a relatively inexperienced defensive unit.
His experience was particularly valuable as India put Panama under pressure, and he remained vocal in keeping the defence structured. Overall, a solid leadership display from the Panama captain.
VĂctor Alfredo Griffith Mullins – 6/10
Victor had a disciplined outing in midfield, working hard to disrupt India’s build-up and help Panama maintain their shape.
He was involved in the physical battle in the middle of the park but had limited influence on the game going forward. A functional performance without too many standout moments.
Tomás Abdiel RodrĂguez Misser – 7/10
Tomás Abdiel RodrĂguez was one of Panama’s more energetic players going forward. He showed good movement and looked to exploit spaces between India’s midfield and defence.
His work rate also helped Panama maintain pressure during their attacking spells. A lively performance, even if he could not consistently turn his involvement into clear chances.
Rafael Mosquera – 6.5/10
Rafael Mosquera was strong in his duels and showed good physicality when competing for the ball. However, his performance was let down by his inability to retain possession, with Panama repeatedly losing momentum when he gave the ball away.
A mixed game for him overall as he was attacking without being particularly clean in possession.
Giovany Herbert – 6/10
Giovany Herbert brought an aggressive and physical presence to Panama’s midfield. He was not afraid to get stuck into duels and also looked to make an impact at the other end, taking opportunities to test India’s goalkeeper with shots.
His intensity and willingness to compete made him one of Panama’s more noticeable performers
Mijahir Jiménez – 6.5/10
Mijahir Jiménez showed good energy and attacking intent throughout his time on the pitch. He looked to take on defenders and offered Panama an outlet in the attacking areas.
His direct approach helped Panama stretch India’s defensive shape, although his final product could have been sharper.
Eduardo Gomez Anderson – 6.5/10
Anderson put in a steady defensive shift, competing well in physical duels and helping Panama maintain their shape. He was largely reliable without making a major impact on either end of the pitch.
Joseph Jones – 6/10
Jones showed good physicality and commitment in the challenges, but his influence was limited as India were able to move the ball around Panama’s defensive structure. A fairly solid but understated performance.
Daivis Murillo – 6/10
Murillo worked hard on the flank and tried to provide an attacking outlet, but he struggled to make a consistent impact. His energy was useful, although Panama lacked enough end product from his side despite creating chances
Jair Ameth Modelo – 7.5/10
Jair Ameth Modelo was Panama’s standout performer on the night. He was heavily involved in all phases of the game, taking responsibility for corner kicks, contributing defensively and constantly looking to move Panama forward. His ability to create chances and provide an attacking outlet made him a consistent threat, while his defensive work added balance to his performance.
Substitutions
Adalberto Carrasquilla – 7.5/10
Carrasquilla made an immediate impact after coming on, helping Panama maintain pressure on India. He brought greater control and intensity to the midfield and played a key role in keeping the visitors on the front foot. His introduction noticeably lifted Panama’s tempo.
Londoño Gonzalez – 7/10
Londoño brought fresh energy and attacking intent after coming on. He was active in Panama’s forward movements and helped keep India’s defence occupied. A positive cameo with plenty of energy.
Carlos Miguel – 6.5/10
Carlos Miguel had a decent outing after entering the game. He contributed to Panama’s efforts without making a defining impact, but was reliable during his time on the pitch.
Omar Javier Valencia – 7.5/10
Valencia was one of Panama’s biggest influences after coming on. He scored a brilliant equaliser with a powerful strike and continued to cause problems with his movement and attacking intent. He repeatedly looked to create chances and gave India’s defence plenty to handle. An excellent substitute appearance
Michael Amir Murillo – 6/10
Murillo had an okayish performance providing experience and helping Panama maintain their shape, but he did not have the same level of influence as some of Panama’s other substitutes. A functional appearance without too many standout moments.
What was the scoreline between India and Panama?
India vs Panama ended with a scoreline of 1-1.
Who scored India’s goal against Panama?
Ryan Williams scored India’s goal against 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.