“They Only Need Three Chances” — Why Williams Is Terrified Of Panama
DURBAN – Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has cautioned against underestimating Panama ahead of Friday’s friendly at Moses Mabhida Stadium, citing the North Americans’ superior FIFA ranking and ruthless World Cup qualifying form.
Los Canaleros arrives in South Africa after dominating Group A of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. They finished at the summit with 12 points, sitting three points clear of Suriname, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Their unbeaten run included home-and-away victories over El Salvador and a crucial away win in Guatemala.
The Ranking Gap
Currently ranked 33rd in the FIFA World Rankings—27 places above South Africa—Panama represents a significant step up in quality for Hugo Broos’ side ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June.
“Obviously, they are a team of quality,” admits Williams at the press conference.
“Sitting 33rd in the world, where we have not been above a 50 mark in a very long time. It shows they have got quality, to be 33rd.
“So, we analysed them, and we watched some clips. We have familiarized ourselves with them, and they are a team that we have to take seriously.”
Clinical Finishing a Major Concern
Williams specifically highlighted Panama’s efficiency in front of goal, referencing their 3-2 victory over Guatemala as a warning to the Bafana Bafana backline.
“Because they don’t have lots of chances to punish you, especially with the last World Cup qualifiers, where they won 3-2 [against Guatemala]. I think they had only three chances, and they took it,” Williams noted.
“It shows how deadly they can be, the efficiency they have in front of goals. They are a compact team; they don’t give too much away.”
A Litmus Test for Mexico City
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Morocco (in Mexico) looming in June, Williams views the two-legged friendly series as a vital measuring stick. Following Friday’s clash in Durban, Bafana Bafana will host Panama again at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday.
“This is going to be a real test,” Williams added. “It will give us, the coach, and the public a clear idea of where we are and what we still need to do to be ready for that first World Cup game.”
