Action from the international friendly between Panama and visiting Trinidad & Tobago on October 8, 2015, in Panama City. (Photo courtesy of Federación Panameña de Fútbol)
PANAMA CITY, Panama - Trinidad & Tobago scored on both sides of the interval to post a 2-1 win over host Panama in an international friendly on Thursday at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez.
It was 10 years to the day that the Soca Warriors’ last experienced victory in the Central American nation, when Kenwyne Jones assisted on Stern John’s game-winning goal in a World Cup qualifier (1-0).
Jones’ impact on the result was once again significant as the Cardiff City forward drilled a 34th minute shot from outside the penalty box that beat goalkeeper Jaime Penedo to give the Caribbean runner-up a 1-0 lead.
Seven minutes into the second half, defender Radanfah Abu Bakr doubled the advantage, heading home from close range off of Keron Cummings’ right-side corner kick.
Panama halved the deficit through Valentin Pimentel in the 60th minute, but couldn’t find the equalizer.
It was Trinidad’s first win over Panama in four outings, including a 1-1 draw in the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals that saw the Canaleros advance on penalty kicks, 6-5.
Both sides, which are preparing to open their 2018 World Cup Qualifying campaigns next month, return to action on Tuesday with Trinidad welcoming Nicaragua and Panama paying a visit to Mexico.
