MARTA COX scored in the 43rd minute as Panama ended Trinidad and Tobago's slim hopes of qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which will be jointly staged in Australia and New Zealand.
The Panama midfielder's goal saw Panama register a 1-0 victory in the 2022 Concacaf W Championship Group B final round match, at the Estadio Universitario, San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico.
Both TT and Panama entered the game without a point, but Panama, who had a superior goal difference to TT, only needed a draw to finish third in the group. TT, who were trounced 6-0 by Canada last Tuesday and 4-0 by Costa Rica on Friday, required a win to end in third spot.
[caption id="attachment_964467" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Panama's Lineth Cedeno and TT's Chelsi Jadoo vie for the ball during the Group B Concacaf W Championship match, on Monday, at the Estadio Universitario, San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico. - Concacaf[/caption]
However, Cox's goal proved decisive as Panama advanced to the World Cup inter-confederation play-offs, which will take place in New Zealand from February 18 to 23. In the play-offs, ten teams will be vying for the final three spots at the World Cup.
For TT, this game ended a miserable campaign for coach Kenwyne Jones, after his decision earlier this year to move on from veteran midfielder/striker Maylee Attin-Johnson as well as her close friend, experienced striker Kennya "Ya Ya" Cordner.
[caption id="attachment_964468" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Panama's Marta Cox (L) celebrates after scoring against TT during the Concacaf Grou B match, on Monday, at the Estadio Universitario, San Nicolas de los Garza, Mexico. - Concacaf[/caption]
Jones tried a few new faces during the Concacaf qualifiers, but TT always struggled in terms of scoring goals, and they failed to find the back of the net in their three matches in Mexico.
In related news, Canada edged Costa Rica 2-0 to finish top of Group B. Both Canada and Costa Rica booked their tickets to the World Cup on Friday.
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