What Happened
Panama’s women’s national team is preparing for a key home match against Aruba this Thursday, April 9, in the Concacaf W 2025/2026 qualifiers. The game is set for 7:00 p.m. at Estadio Universidad Latina de Coclé in Penonomé, where La Roja will look to extend its strong start in the group stage.
Panama enters the match in second place in the group with six points, just one behind Cuba. The visit from Aruba comes as the third match of this qualifying phase, and the result could shape Panama’s path toward the only ticket available to the final round.
Team Focus and Preparation
Head coach Toña Is said the squad is approaching the match with confidence and urgency, describing the remaining games as two finals. She stressed that the team has been working on details in training and reviewing video to correct mistakes from previous performances.
Panama completed its first training session in Penonomé with the full group present, reflecting the team’s focus on settling in and preparing for a match that could help keep its momentum alive. The coaching staff has emphasized patience, collective play, and better execution against opponents that defend in a low block.
Toña Is also highlighted the need to avoid rushing for an early breakthrough, pointing to the importance of staying composed if the match becomes tight. Her message to the players has centered on maintaining control, trusting the game plan, and continuing the team’s improvement.
Panama’s Strong Run So Far
Panama arrives in good form after two convincing away wins: a 6-1 victory over Curaçao and a 3-0 win against Saint Kitts and Nevis. Those results have kept the team in the hunt for first place in the group, which is the only route forward in this stage of the competition.
The upcoming opponent presents a different test. Toña Is described Aruba as a team that wants more of the ball and looks to propose play, while Cuba plays more directly. That contrast gives Panama a clear tactical challenge as it tries to keep pace in the standings.
What This Means
Thursday’s match carries weight beyond three points. For Panama, a win would strengthen its position in a tightly contested group and keep pressure on Cuba at the top. It would also reinforce the team’s growing confidence under Toña Is, who has framed this stage as one in which improvement and discipline matter as much as the result.
With home support in Coclé and a squad that has already shown attacking strength on the road, Panama will aim to turn its preparation into another decisive performance in the Concacaf W qualifiers.