New Delhi, Sept. 25 -- Ryan Dale Williams is turning out Indian football's new hope after the Australian-turned-Indian gave the Blue Tigers a surprise lead in the first half of their FIFA Friendly against Panama at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday. India are ranked 94 places below Panama at 138th.

Ranked 44th in the world, Panama came into the clash after their show at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada. With 14 players from the World Cup squad, the CONCACAF side were left frustrated by the Indian defence in front of handful of spectators in Bengaluru.

Having failed thrice to keep his shot on the goal, Williams made sure he was fourth time lucky just five minutes from the half-time with Akash Mishra ...