Striker Enrique Esqueda then came on and was the player who scored in the 40th minute to give America a 1-0 victory over Indios Juarez at the Azteca while Cabanas's number 10 shirt lay in a space on the bench.
Paraguay international Cabanas is in intensive care after being shot in the head in a Mexico City bar in the early hours of Monday, reportedly after being taunted about his and America's recent poor goals record.
Cabanas, who still has the bullet lodged in his brain, spoke for the first time on Saturday, raising hopes for his recovery, while at matches throughout Mexico over the weekend there were shows of solidarity with the 29-year-old player.
The video screens at the Azteca ran phrases of encouragement for Cabanas and showed film of the Paraguayan in action before kick-off with fans applauding his goals.
Captain Pavel Pardo dedicated the match to the Paraguayan in name of the club, Mexico's richest and most powerful.
Champions Monterrey beat Cruz Azul on Saturday in a repeat of the Apertura championship final in December.
Argentine midfielder Neri Cardozo and Abraham Carreno scored the goals in the last half hour, both in counter-attacks launched by goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco.
Javier Hernandez scored twice as Guadalajara, Mexico's most popular team, came from two goals down to score three in the final 12 minutes and beat bottom team Estudiantes UAG 3-2 in the western city's derby.
CONCACAF champions Atlante, who last month took part in the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi, were thumped 5-1 by Pachuca.
