Panama gain valuable test against South Africa ahead of World Cup

The Central American side wrapped up their visit with a 2-1 win, following a 1-1 draw in Durban last Friday.

Speaking through a translator to Panamanian media, Christiansen explained that with the World Cup fast approaching, the team is making steady progress and moving in a positive direction ahead of the global showpiece.

"I don't have a starting 11, all players have the qualities to play. It did influence the reason behind the travel for the first game and also South Africa played very well on the first game but after we did a great analysis, a player from South Africa just spoke to me, he congratulated me,” Christiansen said. 

“Those corrections mean we are going in the right direction, we were up 1-0 then they scored a spectacular goal but we have the capability to come back and win this game, so I'm very happy."

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The result also represents a historic milestone, as it is Panama’s first-ever win against African opposition. 

Christiansen noted that facing South Africa offered a different tactical challenge and intensity often associated with teams from the continent.

"A good game, we made a good performance, serious in all aspects and we took a very good result against a very good team. A team who will participate in the World Cup and it's the first time that we won against an African team and that's not easy,” the coach added.

Drawn in a demanding Group L at the World Cup, Panama are set to face Croatia, England and Ghana in the group stage.