News Focus
- Caleb Yirenkyi nets in stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory for Ghana against Panama
- The win moves Ghana level with England at the summit of World Cup Group L
- Brandon Thomas-Asante provides the crucial assist for the decisive late goal
- Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi exits at half-time following an injury in the first period
- The match takes place in rainy conditions in Toronto with limited goal-scoring opportunities
Caleb Yirenkyi emerges as the hero for Ghana after his last-gasp strike seals a narrow 1-0 triumph over Panama in their opening 2026 World Cup fixture. The dramatic winner arrives deep into stoppage time at the Toronto venue, propelling the Black Stars to the top of Group L alongside England.
The decisive moment comes when substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante delivers a precise cross from the right flank. Yirenkyi meets the ball with composure and guides it past the Panama goalkeeper to break the deadlock in a match previously short on clear-cut chances.
The first half proves a tense and cagey affair played under persistent rain. Panama start brightly when Cecilio Waterman forces an early save from Ghana keeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the second minute. Cristian Martínez later sees appeals for a penalty waved away after attempting to latch onto a long ball over the defence. Jiovany Ramos also goes close for the Central Americans but fires his effort high and wide after Ati-Zigi punches a cross into his path.
Ghana struggle to create openings before the interval. Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo drifts into central areas to influence play, setting up the team’s first shot just before half-time. However, defender Marvin Senaya sends his attempt well off target. Ati-Zigi requires medical attention late in the half and does not return for the second period, with Benjamin Asare taking his place between the posts.
The Black Stars display greater urgency after the restart. Defender Jonas Adjetey directs a header straight at Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera, while Jordan Ayew of Leicester City narrowly fails to convert a sliding finish after a crucial defensive intervention from Ramos. Panama remain dangerous on the break, with Martínez steering a shot just wide of the upright and Ramos curling an effort off target from the edge of the area.
The breakthrough finally arrives in the dying moments. An offside flag initially denies Thomas-Asante what appears to be a winner, but the forward quickly redeems himself by supplying the cross that allows Yirenkyi to snatch all three points for the West African nation.