by William Ysaguirre (Freelance Writer)
BELIZE CITY, Mon. June 9, 2025
The Panama senior men’s national team eliminated the Belize Jaguars, 2-0, when the Football Federation of Belize hosted a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan on Saturday evening, June 7.
Fidel Escobar’s header (10’) opened the scoreboard with an assist from Eduardo Guerrero for the visitors to lead 1-0 up to the half. Eduardo Guerrero (50’) recovered a rebound just inside the area, and goalkeeper Woodrow West had no chance to stop his slice to just inside the right upright: 2-0 final.
Krisean Lopez and Horace Avila led the host’s attacks, supported by Jordi Polanco, Izon Gill, Eldon “Tuncy” Reneau and Alence Ayala at midfield, but the visitors’ defense shut down their attacks, leaving little for their goalkeeper to do, as the “canaleros” dominated possession of the ball, keeping West busy with their many shots at goal.
Deshawon Nembhard led the Jaguar’s defense with Darrel Myvett, Freybin Pagoada and Nahjib Guerra, but their efforts looked amateurish, when the visitors were able to consistently work the ball into the 18-yard box for shots at goal.
The Jaguars also lost, 1-0, to Montserrat at the Ato Bolton Stadium in Couva, Trinidad, last Thursday evening, June 4, when Mark Rogers (2’) struck on the rebound, after West rejected the islanders first try. Thus ended the Jaguars’ dream of qualifying to the next round of qualifiers to the World Cup.