Midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi struck deep into stoppage time to hand Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama, in their opening Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Toronto, Canada.
Panama started brightly and created the first clear opportunity of the contest. Cecilio Waterman threatened , but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare reacted superbly to produce a fine diving save.
The Ghana defence was tested again shortly afterwards when a poor punch from Asare fell kindly to Jiovany Ramos. The Panamanian defender had time and space but failed to punish Ghana, sending his effort over the crossbar.
Despite enjoying less possession, Ghana gradually settled into the match and began searching for opportunities on the counter-attack.Both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances in the final third.
Panama enjoyed long spells of possession and finished with a significant advantage in ball control, but Ghana’s defensive organisation ensured that dangerous openings remained limited.
The second half followed a similar pattern Cristian Martinez came close for Panama after creating space for himself inside the area, only to fire into the side netting.
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Recognising the need for greater attacking thrust, Queiroz introduced fresh legs shortly before the hour mark. The changes immediately injected energy into Ghana’s attack.
Five minutes into added time, Thomas-Asante surged forward, driving aggressively into the penalty area before showing remarkable composure to pick out Yirenkyi with a precise pass. The midfielder made no mistake
Arriving at the perfect moment, Yirenkyi calmly guided the ball into the net to score the goal and spark scenes of jubilation among the Ghana players, coaching staff and supporters inside Toronto Stadium.
The goal was a cruel blow for Panama, who had defended resolutely throughout the contest and were seconds away from securing a valuable point. For Ghana, however, it was a reward for perseverance and belief.
For long periods, Panama looked capable of frustrating Carlos Queiroz’s side and perhaps even stealing a victory of their own. Instead, Ghana’s persistence, defensive discipline and refusal to settle for a draw were rewarded with a winning goal that could prove decisive in their World Cup campaign.
The result leaves Ghana level on points with England, who defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier in the group, while Panama and Croatia remain without a point after the opening round of matches.
Attention now turns to a highly anticipated showdown against England, a match that could go a long way towards deciding qualification from Group L.
Latest World Cup resultsÂ
Uzbekistan 1-3Â Colombia
Ghana 1-0 Panama.
