International Women's Friendlies
A second half strike from 19-year-old Sherline King left Australia with no answer with Joe Montemurro’s side to face the South American side again on Tuesday.
Australia came into the tie fresh from a pair of matches against Slovenia – a 3-0 win followed by a 1-1 draw – and started with Hayley Raso wearing the captain’s armband, while goalkeeper Teagan Micah and Alex Chidiac returned to the lineup.
Panama goalkeeper Yenith Bailey was forced off in the sixth minute after colliding with teammate Hilary Jaen while attempting to intercept Holly McNamara's cross, which had threatened the Panamanian net.
Both teams were wasteful in front of goal with Panama's Riley Tanner’s run inside the box closed down by the Australian defence before Emily Gielnik saw her shot from a set-piece sail over the bar.
Panama came closest to scoring in the 40th minute with Tanner hitting the woodwork before setting up Ericka Arauz, whose shot sailed high over the crossbar.
Australia were forced to defend at the start of the second half with Micah stepping in to intercept a dangerous cross before suffering a heavy knock to keep out Ana Ggabriela Quintero in the 57th minute.
With momentum on their side, Panama stunned the home crowd a minute later after second half substitute King scored from a rebound with Micah having saved Martha Cox’s initial shot.
Australia almost replied with the equaliser in the 59th minute when Alex Chidiac’s goal-bound shot aimed at the far post was cleared away by the Panamanian defence.
Micah then was forced off injured and replaced by Chloe Lincoln in the 63rd minute, and despite bringing in veteran Michelle Heyman and Adriana Taranto, Australia could not find the back of the net.
Photos: Football Australia
