Panama, Cuba play to 1-1 draw to open Olympic qualifying
Posted October 01, 2015 7:00 am
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - Cuba and Panama played to a 1-1 draw Thursday night to open Olympic soccer qualifying.
The Cuban team, trying to reach the Rio Games for the first time since 1980, scored first when Panama's goalkeeper tried to clear the ball in the sixth minute. His kick bounced off on-coming Cuban forward Maykel Alejandro Reyes Azcuy and into the net for a stunning goal.
Panama did not score the equalizer until Josiel Alberto Nunez's goal in the 75th minute, helping it avoid a surprising upset as the country seeks its first ever Olympic bid.
Panama plays its second of three group games Saturday against Canada. Cuba faces the U.S. in the second game of the doubleheader at Sporting Park.
Panama goal keeper Elieser Powell (1) communicates with his teammates before a corner kick in the first half of a CONCACAF men's Olympic qualifying soccer match against Cuba, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, in Kansas City, Kan. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Cuba midfielder Daniel Ernesto (16) chases after Panama midfielder Miguel Camargo (10) in the second half of a CONCACAF men's Olympic qualifying soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, in Kansas City, Kan. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Cuba midfielder Pedro Anderson, left, pressures Panama midfielder Miguel Camargo, right, in the second half of a CONCACAF men's Olympic qualifying soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, in Kansas City, Kan. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Cuba forward Hector Javier Morales (10) and Panama forward Carlos Small (17) head the ball in the first half of a CONCACAF men's Olympic qualifying soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Cuba midfielder Daniel Luis, left, and Panama midfielder Justin Simons, right, go after a corner kick in the first half of a CONCACAF men's Olympic qualifying soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Cuba defender Andy Baquero (2) and Panama midfielder Pedro Jeanine (5) battle for control of the ball in the first half of a CONCACAF men's Olympic qualifying soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Cuba defender Brian Rosales, left, and Panama defender Kevin Galvan, right, battle to control a header in the first half of a CONCACAF men's Olympic qualifying soccer match, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, in Kansas City, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The Associated Press
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.