WATCH: CommBank Matildas defeated 1-0 by Panama as four players debut

The CommBank Matildas have been defeated 1-0 by Panama in front of regional fans at Hands Oval in Bunbury.

Sherline King's second-half goal was the difference between the two sides in a hard-fought contest.

Western United midfielder Adriana Taranto became cap number #239 when she was introduced in the second half, before Jacynta Galabadaarachchi became number #240.

Two teenage debutants followed in the latter stages of the game. Striker Grace Kuilamu earned cap #241, and full-back Alexia Apostolakis earned cap #242.

Head Coach Joe Montemurro named an almost entirely changed team from the one that took on Slovenia last match, with Kaitlyn Torpey the only survivor from that starting eleven.

The game started on a difficult note. Holly McNamara made a positive run up the left-hand side and put in a dangerous ball. Unfortunately, in attempting to make the save, Yenith Bailey’s leg caught awkwardly in the turf, and Panama were forced to substitute their goalkeeper off the pitch within five minutes.

The first half was a very physical one. Panama were piling on the pressure whenever the Matildas had the ball, resulting in a high number of fouls.

Australia had an opportunity from a set piece midway through the half. Alex Chidiac won a foul just outside the penalty area after showing off her technical skills on the ball. Emily Gielnik fired the free kick over the crossbar.

McNamara did well in the 31st minute to find Gielnik in the box, but Gielnik was wrong-footed, and not able to direct a shot on target.

Riley Tanner had the best chance of the half for Panama in the 40th minute, hitting the woodwork from a tight angle. The Matildas managed to scramble the opportunity away.

Australia had 64% possession in the first half but weren’t able to conjure a shot on target. While they had largely dominated the game to that point, clear-cut chances were hard to come by.

Panama would capitalise on Australia’s lack of chances early in the second half. Marta Cox found space and forced Teagan Micah into a save from a close angle. Sherline King was there to place the deflection home and give Panama the lead.

The Matildas almost hit back immediately, but Alex Chidiac’s shot from close range was cleared off the line.

Australia’s first changes came in the 63rd minute. 26-year-old Adriana Taranto came on for her debut, replacing Chloe Berryhill in midfield. Michelle Heyman entered in place of Hayley Raso, while Teagan Micah was forced off due to injury – she was replaced by Chloe Lincoln, the youngster appearing for the national team for the second team.

Two more changes were afoot 14 minutes later. Emily van Egmond replaced Alex Chidiac in midfield while Jacynta Galabadaarachchi became the second debutant of the afternoon when she replaced Emily Gielnik.

Galabadaarachchi almost had an instant impact. She linked up with fellow first-gamer Taranto, whose shot was saved at full stretch by Cordoba in goal.

Montemurro made more changes with minutes remaining in regulation time as Australia chased the game. On came two more debutants, 18-year-old Grace Kuilamu and 19-year-old Alexia Apostolakis, replacing Holly McNamara and Kaitlyn Torpey.

There was one last twist to finish the game as the CommBank Matildas pushed for the equaliser. Apostolakis forced a save from the Panama keeper. The ball fell to Heyman right in front of goal, but she wasn’t able to steer the ball on target.

The team will now travel back to Perth having taken a number of lessons from this fixture that they will take into the second game of the series.

Match Summary

Australia: 0
Panama: 1 (King 51')

Australia: 12. Teagan Micah (GK) (18. Chloe Lincoln (GK) 63’), 2. Courtney Nevin, 5. Natasha Prior, 6. Chloe Berryhill (36. Adriana Taranto 63’), 8. Kaitlyn Torpey (37. Alexia Apostolakis 87’), 15. Emily Gielnik (34. Jacynta Galabadaarachchi 77’), 16. Hayley Raso (32. Michelle Heyman 63’), 25. Holly McNamara (33. Grace Kuilamu 87’), 27. Alex Chidiac (10. Emily van Egmond 77’), 29. Jamilla Rankin, 31. Alana Murphy

Unused substitutes: 4. Clare Hunt, 26. Bryleeh Henry, 28. Sally James (GK), 30. Jessika Nash, 35. Remy Siemsen,

Yellow Cards: 16. Hayley Raso 45+1’, 36. Adriana Taranto 90+3’
Red Cards: Nil

Panama: 12. Yenith Bailey (GK) (22. Farissa Cordoba (GK) 5’), 2. Hilary Jaen (15. Arlen Hernandez 79’), 3. Wendy Natis (16. Rebeca Espinosa 79’), 4. Katherine Catillo, 6. Deysire Salazar (11. Sherline King 52’), 7. Ericka Arauz (18. Lineth Cedeno 79’), 8. Schiandra Gonzalez, 10. Marta Cox (14. Carmen Montenegro 90’), 13. Riley Tanner, 21. Ana Ggabriela Quintero, (19. Katherine Parris 79’) 23. Carina Baltrip-Reyes

Unused substitutes: 1. Isabella Morey (GK), 5. Katherine Gonzalez, 9. Karla Riley, 17. Shayari Camarena.

Yellow Cards: 3. Wendy Natis 42’, 6. Deysire Salazar 45+4’, 8. Schiandra Gonzalez 71’, 2. Hilary Jaen 73’
Red Cards: Nil