---
title: "Panama opens South American Youth Games with 1-0 win over Colombia"
date: 2026-04-12
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/panama-sub17-women-beat-colombia/
categories:
  - "News"
  - "Sports"
tags:
  - "Colombia"
  - "Gerard Aubí"
  - "Panama Sub-17"
  - "Shaday Mow"
  - "South American Youth Games"
  - "women's football"
---

# Panama opens South American Youth Games with 1-0 win over Colombia

## What Happened

Panama’s women’s Under-17 national team began its run in the 2026 South American Youth Games with a 1-0 victory over Colombia in football. The match was played at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento Luis Matador Tejada, where Panama made an immediate impact and protected its lead for the rest of the contest.

Shaday Mow scored the only goal of the game in the third minute after taking advantage of a defensive lapse, driving into the area and finishing with precision. The early strike gave Panama control of the tempo and allowed the team to play with confidence from the opening minutes.

## A Strong Start for Panama

Gerard Aubí’s side showed discipline and intensity throughout the match. Panama stayed organized defensively, recovered the ball quickly, and kept Colombia from finding enough space to create sustained pressure.

The national team also showed ambition going forward. With the advantage in hand, Panama continued to look for attacking opportunities and generated several approaches toward the Colombian goal while managing the match with composure.

## Why the Result Matters

Opening a tournament with a win can shape the tone for the rest of the group stage, and Panama did exactly that. The three points give the team a strong platform in a competition where momentum and confidence can be as important as goals.

The result also highlights the early reward for Panama’s pressing and tactical order. By scoring first and defending with structure, the team forced Colombia to chase the game and limited the space needed to build attacks.

## What Comes Next

Panama will return to the field on Tuesday, April 14, against Venezuela, before closing the group phase against Paraguay. Another positive result would strengthen the team’s position as it continues its campaign in the youth tournament.

After the final whistle, Mow said the victory was what the team wanted and described the start as an important one. For Panama, the opening performance was a clear statement: the team arrived ready to compete and began the tournament on the right foot.