Panama’s Copa America campaign has suffered a blow as their captain, Anibal Godoy, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a thigh injury. The 34-year-old midfielder sustained the injury during a friendly match against Paraguay, where he was substituted off in the 73rd minute. The Panama FA (FEPAFUT) has confirmed that Godoy will be unable to participate in the tournament held in the United States.
Godoy’s absence will be deeply felt by the Panamanian national team, as he is not only their captain but also one of their most experienced players. He has been capped 140 times by Panama, making him the player with the second-highest number of appearances in the nation’s history, only eight behind Gabriel Gomez, who has retired. Godoy’s leadership and presence on the field will be sorely missed by his teammates.
The midfielder has had a successful career, spending five seasons at the San Jose Earthquakes before moving to MLS rivals Nashville in 2020. During his time in the league, he has made 120 first-team appearances, showcasing his consistency and reliability.
Panama will kick off their Copa America campaign against Uruguay on June 23. This will be followed by a match against the United States four days later, and their group stage will conclude with a game against [opponent] on July 1. Without their influential captain, Panama will face an uphill battle in their quest to make an impact in the tournament.
Despite this setback, Panama’s national team still has potential to surprise. With a blend of substance and style, they have the ability to compete against strong opponents and make their mark on the competition. The players will need to step up and fill the void left by Godoy’s absence, relying on their collective strength and determination to overcome this setback.
In conclusion, the news of Anibal Godoy’s injury and subsequent withdrawal from the Copa America is a significant blow to Panama’s chances in the tournament. His experience and leadership will be sorely missed by the team. However, it also presents an opportunity for other players to rise to the occasion and prove their worth on the international stage. Panama must rally together and show resilience in the face of adversity as they aim to make a mark in the Copa America.