June 27, (THEWILL) – In a pulsating Copa America encounter on Thursday, Panama upset the United States 2-1 in Atlanta. The match, marked by early drama and late heroics, has thrown Group C wide open.
The opening stages set the tone for a frenetic affair. Within the first 26 minutes, the USA had a goal disallowed, Timothy Weah received a red card, and Folarin Balogun scored a spectacular opener. Panama quickly responded through Cesar Blackman, levelling the score before half-time.
As the match appeared to be heading towards a draw, Ricardo Pepi squandered a golden opportunity for the hosts. Panama capitalised on this miss, with Jose Fajardo netting the winner in the 83rd minute. Despite Adalberto Carrasquilla’s late dismissal, Panama held on for a famous victory.
The result leaves both teams level on three points in Group C, with the USA now facing a crucial final match against Uruguay. Panama’s disciplined performance, which saw them commit 19 fouls to the USA’s four, proved effective in disrupting the hosts’ rhythm.
Balogun’s strike exemplified his quality, but Pepi’s missed header proved costly for the Americans. Panama’s clinical finishing and resolute defending in the closing stages earned them a well-deserved win, significantly boosting their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
