Panama coach Leonardo Pipino says his side's inexperience led to their defeat to Ghana at the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand on Friday, conspiring to their early exit from the tournament.
Ghana qualified for the last 16 at the Fifa U-20 World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama at Auckland's North Harbour Stadium on Friday.
The Panamanians, who exit as a result of the defeat, were undone by a solitary Emmanuel Boateng goal in the 82nd minute, and missed a late penalty through Fidel Escobar.
Ghana flirted with the Panamanian goal in the opening minutes of the match with two early shots on goal, both just off target. Panama responded strongly with a number of attempts of their own but neither team could convert in the opening half.
Panama coach Leonardo Pipino says his side paid for their inexperience against the Ghanaians who have several players plying their trade with top clubs in Europe.
"We came here with the objective of winning our first match, but didn’t succeed," Panama coach Leonardo Pipino said after the defeat to Ghana.
"We are very sad about that. For us, the most important thing is that these players evolve physically and gain more international experience.
"All of our guys play for local clubs. They are good enough to play in the CONCACAF region, but internationally we lack the necessary experience."
The game against Ghana was transformed in the final 10 minutes as both sides abandoned all caution and went for the win. Panama substitute Ismael Diaz was the first to threaten, bursting past a couple of challenges and into the box, but shot wide when a goal appeared certain.
That miss became all the more costly a couple of minutes later when Boateng gave Ghana the lead. The Ghanaian was one-on-one with the last Panama defender and jinked and jived, with at least five touches on the ball before beating the defender, and then shooting past the goalkeeper to score.
Panama weren't done yet though and, after Jesus Araya had rattled the crossbar, they earned an 89th-minute penalty and a golden opportunity to grab a point. However, Escobar - the man fouled - slipped on his run-up and sent a wayward kick high and well wide.