Mexico missed the opportunity to make it a perfect start to the Hexagonal as they had to labor to a goalless draw with Panama on Tuesday night in a game of few chances.
Guillermo Ochoa produced a pair of vital saves to extend Mexico’s unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying to eight matches.
As ever in games against Panama, a flurry of tackles dominated the opening minutes of the match, but the home-side always looked more likely to score, with Alberto Quintero and Gabriel Gomez both testing Ochoa in the first half.
Juan Carlos Osorio made the game’s first change after 45 minutes, bringing on Jesus Duenas in place of the carded Diego Reyes.