Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring deep into stoppage time to seal all three points at BMO Field in Toronto.
The Group L clash appeared destined to end in a goalless draw after a largely scrappy contest, but the Black Stars delivered a late breakthrough to send their supporters into celebration and make a winning start to their campaign.
Panama made the brighter start and threatened within the opening two minutes. A low cross found Cecilio Waterman in space, but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi reacted sharply to keep out the effort.
The Central Americans continued to dominate possession and dictated much of the first half, enjoying lengthy spells on the ball while Ghana struggled to create meaningful opportunities. The Black Stars failed to register a shot before the interval as Panama controlled 65 per cent of possession.
Ati-Zigi remained busy throughout the opening period, making several important interventions. The goalkeeper was involved in a heavy collision with Carlos Harvey while claiming a cross and later appeared to suffer a thigh injury. Although he initially continued, the injury ultimately forced him off at halftime.
Benjamin Asare was introduced at the start of the second half, making his debut at a major international tournament.
Ghana showed greater attacking intent after the restart. Jonas Adjetey produced the team’s first shot on target with a header from a cross, while substitutes Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante injected much-needed energy into the attack.
Fatawu’s direct running caused problems for the Panamanian defence and led to Cesar Blackman being booked after bringing him down on the edge of the penalty area.
The Black Stars came close to breaking the deadlock when Antoine Semenyo drilled a dangerous low cross into the box, but defender Edgardo Ramos intervened just in time to deny Jordan Ayew.
Panama also threatened, with Cristian Martínez firing into the side netting as both teams searched for a decisive goal.
With the match heading towards a draw, Ghana delivered the knockout blow in the fifth minute of added time.
A Panama attack broke down, allowing Ghana to launch a swift counterattack. Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank, skipped past a sliding challenge and delivered a low cross into the area.
Yirenkyi, who had replaced Thomas Partey in midfield following the latter’s inability to enter Canada, arrived at the perfect moment to convert from close range and spark wild celebrations among the Ghana faithful.
The dramatic winner secured a crucial opening victory for the Black Stars and denied Panama what would have been their first-ever World Cup point.
In the other Group L fixture, England defeated Croatia 4-2 to move top of the standings after the first round of matches.
Ghana will now turn their attention to a highly anticipated showdown with England on June 23, while Panama will seek to bounce back when they face Croatia on the same day.
SOURCE: MAVIS FANTEVI
