Panama has announced its squad for the final two matches of the first stage of the Concacaf Qualifiers. A press release from the Panamanian Football Federation (FPF) stated that head coach Tanya Is has called up 26 players to face Aruba and Cuba at home on April 9 and 17, respectively, at the Estadio Universidad Latina in Penonomé. Panama arrives at this final stage of the first phase in second place in Group E, but with one fewer match than Cuba, the temporary leader, so qualification for the Final Phase depends 100% on the National Team. With three matches played, Cuba has seven points, followed by Panama with six points but with only two matches contested. Panama has already defeated Curaçao and Saint Kitts and Nevis away and will now play its two home matches. The called-up players are as follows: Goalkeepers: Yenith Bailey, Farissa Córdoba, and Isabella Morey. Defenders: Arlén Hernández, Mickeylis Gutiérrez, Rebeca Espinosa, Sara Nieto, Hilary Jaén, Wendy Natis, Carina Baltrip Reyes, and Katherine Castillo. Midfielders: Deysiré Salazar, Gloria Sáenz, Karla Riley, Alexis Pashales, Kenia Rangel, and Schiandra González. Forwards: Ericka Araúz, Shayaris Camarena, Ivis Ubarte, Analía Arosemena, Katherin Parris, Riley Tanner, Diana Pon, Sherline King, and Ana Quintero. Next are Aruba (3), Saint Kitts and Nevis (1), and Curaçao (0). Panama will concentrate on Monday afternoon and will travel to Penonomé on Tuesday morning. On the same Tuesday afternoon, at the Virgilio Tejeira Stadium of the Panamanian Football Federation, they will hold their practice starting at 4 pm. According to the competition format, the first place in each group will qualify for the Final Round, where the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup will be determined. Each team will face all teams in its group, with two home and two away matches.
