Panama U-20 Draws 0-0 With Cuba in Preparation Friendly

The Panama U-20 national soccer team played to a scoreless draw against Cuba in their initial preparation match for the upcoming Concacaf U-20 Championship. The game took place at the Estadio Virgilio Tejeira Andrión in Penonomé, Coclé province.

Despite the 0-0 scoreline, Panama's squad, managed by Mike Stump, displayed more initiative offensively. They came close to securing a victory on multiple occasions. Raheen Cuello struck the crossbar in the 30th minute, and in the second half, Carlos Rodríguez's left-footed shot hit the post in the 60th minute, keeping the match level.

This friendly is part of Panama's buildup for the Concacaf U-20 Championship, set to be held in Mexico from July 24 to August 9. This tournament is crucial as it determines qualification for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Panama's opening match in the regional tournament is scheduled for July 26 against Canada in Puebla, as part of Group C.

Following this match, both teams will face each other again on Friday, July 10, for their second and final friendly. Panama's U-20 team will then travel to Pachuca, Mexico, on July 12 for a training camp to finalize their preparations before the tournament begins.