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LOS ANGELES. — Rising teenage star Gabriel scored on his international debut as Brazil warmed up for the Copa America Centenario with a 2-0 victory over Panama on Sunday.

Gabriel — affectionately known as “Gabigol” — underscored his precocious talent by calmly finishing Brazil’s second goal on 73 minutes soon after replacing veteran striker Jonas as a second-half substitute. Santos forward Gabriel (19) is regarded as the natural heir to Neymar, who also played his club football for the iconic Brazilian side before his transfer to Barcelona in 2013. The teenager, who has scored 19 goals in 74 appearances for Santos since 2013, had been called up to Brazil’s senior squad in March but was an unused substitute.

However he wasted no time in making his mark after being introduced by manager Dunga for his first senior appearance at Denver’ Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Sunday. — AFP.