CONCACAF
Mexico snatch a late point in Panama
Mexico were unable to claim a third consecutive win in the CONCACAF 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign but remain top with a point on the road.
Panama surprised many observers with their offensive style of play in their World Cup qualifier against Mexico at Estadio Rommel Fernández. In the 28th minute Roland Blackburn found the back of the net after a rebound from Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa inside the box.
Jesús Corona sparks comeback
The half-time whistle was a relief for Mexico after Panama dominated every aspect of the opening 45 and the visiting side needed to make some tactical adjustments in the locker room. In the second half, Mexico shook things up to change the mentality of the team.
Rogelio Funes Mori and Carlos Rodríguez came off to be replaced by Henry Martín and Sebastián Córdova. The visitors were notably more on the front foot from the restart but found themselves frustrated by Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejía.
It was not until the 76th minute that Mexico caught a break. Sebastián Córdova sent in a cross and Jesús ‘Tecatito’ Corona took advantage of the rebound to find the back of the net. It was a deserved goal for the visiting side following their improvement after the break.
The eventual 1-1 draw left Mexico top of the group with seven points after three games of the final round of the CONCACAF 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign. Panama remained in second place with five points ahead of the next international break in October.