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

As Ghana’s Black Stars prepare to take on Panama tonight, football enthusiasts in Kumasi have expressed high expectations, calling for an impressive display that goes beyond simply securing victory.

Known for its deep passion for football, Kumasi is eager to see a team that plays with confidence, attacking intent, and pride as the Black Stars look to build momentum following recent inconsistent performances.

Many supporters believe the match presents an opportunity for the national team to restore the confidence of Ghanaians.

“We want goals and entertaining football. Panama is not a big team, so the Black Stars must dominate from the first whistle. No excuses. Kumasi people love attacking football,” one fan said.

Another supporter stressed the importance of discipline and teamwork, urging the players to be clinical in front of the goal.

“We expect discipline and teamwork. No more wasting chances. If the team can score three or four goals, it will give us hope for the upcoming matches. Kumasi will celebrate if the Black Stars win convincingly,” the fan remarked.

Others highlighted the need for sound tactical decisions and proper player selection, insisting that a strong midfield and an effective attack will be key to breaking down Panama’s defence.

“Our expectation is simple—professionalism. Play like you understand the weight of the Black Stars jersey. The people of Kumasi have supported this team through good and bad times, and now we want a performance we can be proud of,” another supporter stated.

Beyond the football, local businesses are also anticipating a positive impact from the match. Traders and food vendors around the city’s commercial centres, including Kejetia, expect increased patronage if the Black Stars produce a convincing victory, with television viewing centres, eateries, and jersey sellers all hoping for brisk business.

For many in Kumasi, tonight’s encounter is about more than just defeating Panama. It is an opportunity for the Black Stars to send a strong message with an entertaining performance, plenty of goals, and a display worthy of the nation’s pride.

Source: Sofoba Kwame Afrifah

Ghana Blackstars midfielder Thomas Partey will not be travelling to Canada to join the Black Stars for their international match against Panama after a Canadian court rejected an application that could have cleared the way for his participation.

The decision was delivered on Tuesday June 16, 2026, during a hearing in Ottawa presided over by Justice Lafrenière. Partey was represented by lawyers Mackeda Bramwell and Sangeet Khurana, who sought an expedited process in an effort to secure a favourable ruling before Ghana’s scheduled fixture against Panama.

According to details from the proceedings, the hearing began with objections from the Canadian government over documents submitted by Partey’s legal team. Government lawyers argued that some of the documents had been filed late and did not comply with the established procedures governing the case.

After considering the objections, Justice Lafrenière partially agreed with the government’s position and rejected one of the late affidavits filed on behalf of the Ghanaian midfielder.

The ruling was viewed as a significant setback for Partey’s application, as it limited part of the evidence his legal team hoped to rely on during the hearing.

The court also sought further justification for the urgency of the request. Justice Lafrenière asked Partey’s lawyers to provide examples of previous cases in which similar applications had been fast-tracked and approved under comparable circumstances.

The request stemmed from Ghana’s desire to have the player cleared in time to travel and feature in the national team’s match against Panama.

In their submissions, Partey’s lawyers argued that the player should be presumed innocent, noting that he has pleaded not guilty to charges he is currently facing in the United Kingdom.

They further stressed that he is not subject to any travel restrictions, his passport has not been seized by authorities, and he remains legally free to travel internationally.

The defence team also pointed to Partey’s previous international travel, including trips to the United States for football-related engagements, arguing that there was precedent for allowing him entry into North America despite the ongoing legal proceedings in the UK.

Despite those arguments, the court was ultimately not persuaded to grant the relief being sought. The judge declined the request, effectively preventing Partey from travelling to Canada in time to join the Black Stars for the Panama encounter.

The ruling represents a blow to Ghana’s preparations, with the experienced midfielder expected to miss the fixture. Partey has been a key figure for the national team over the years, and his absence will be felt as the Black Stars continue their international campaign.

While the decision settles his immediate availability for the Panama match, attention is likely to remain focused on the broader legal proceedings involving the Ghana international and how they may affect his future participation in football activities abroad.

SOURCE: NII OKAIJAH TETTEH