Honda HRX217 ground drive speed selector cable replacement - help needed (pics).

The cable broke on my HRX217 today. I have a new one, but have found it difficult to install. I was told to take out the black panel toward the rear of the mower for access. The cable comes from the handles, down through a shroud, into the area above the transmission. A small port hole beside the transmission is enough to see the connection, but too small to work (getting the old one out, getting the new one installed.

I do not understand how to get the one panel out, so that I can...

Honda HRX217 ground drive speed selector cable replacement - help needed (pics).