Martinique earns first point in close contest with Panama

FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique – Martinique ended a two-match losing skid and picked up a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against Panama in Group B of League A of the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League at Pierre-Aliker Stadium in Fort-de-France, Martinique.

It was also a positive result for Panama, who are assured of at least a second-place finish and thus have qualified the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup.

What ended up being a defensive showcase started with offensive flair, as Kevin Appin and Alberto Quintero traded on target opportunities during the opening stretch.

Martinique’s Mickael Biron attempted a curveball, but could not get the right spin for the lead in the 25th minute as the home side began to generate more in the first half.

In the 31st minute, Panama’s Michael Murillo had an attempt blocked by defender Jonathan Rivierez, as Panama earned a corner.

Eric Davis then found Cecilio Waterman, but the attempt was denied again by Rivierez, ultimately sending the teams scoreless into the break. Panama continued pushing for a goal and Anibal Godoy had what would have been the goal of the night and potential game winner with a strike slightly outside the box that was denied by the crossbar in the 65th minute.

Biron nearly finished a well crossed box into the box but goalkeeper Luis Mejia did enough to intercept the attacking play in the 72nd minute.

Martinique were down to 10 men when Tarik Cavelan was given a red card in the 89th minute. Cavelan, who had entered for Biron in the 81st minute, was sent off after a hard tackle on midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla.

Despite the late disadvantage, the home side saw out the clean sheet for Martinique's first point in League A. Martinique improves to 0-1-2, while Panama extends its lead at the top of the group with a 2-1-0 record. Costa Rica is second with a 1-0-1 mark.