Late goal sends T&T to first defeat in six outings
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Jesus “Chuito” Gonzalez marked his debut for Panama with a dramatic late winner as Panama edged Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 in their international friendly here Tuesday night.
With the contest at the Ato Boldon Stadium appeared headed for a nil-all stalemate, Gonzales scored from close range in the third minute of stoppage, to hand the home side their first defeat in six outings dating back to last October.
Afterwards, T&T head coach Dennis Lawrence said the difference in quality between the two teams had been evident.
“I think a lot of questions were answered tonight in terms of the local players and where they are at the moment in terms of being active for football,” the former national defender said.
“Because some our passing tonight was very, very erratic. One of the most obvious things tonight is that technically our players need to improve, because if you cannot receive the ball in quick time and play then you will end up in problems.
“So we got a clear indication of where the work needs to be done at this level.”
Pitted against a second string Panama side without the services of marquee players like attacking midfielder Alberto Quintero and veteran striker Luis Tejada, T&T still struggled and failed to muster a single shot on goal.