News Focus
- Caleb Yirenkyi nets a dramatic 95th-minute goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Ghana over Panama in Group L.
- Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante creates the winner after coming on as a second-half substitute.
- Panama face a difficult path to the knockout stages with games against England and Croatia remaining.
- Carlos Queiroz hails his side’s tactical discipline and mental strength following the late success.
Ghana have claimed a thrilling last-gasp victory against Panama at the 2026 World Cup. The Black Stars secured a 1-0 win in Toronto thanks to a dramatic goal deep into added time.
Young midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi found the net in the 95th minute to separate the two sides. The 20-year-old finished from close range after substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante broke free on the left flank and delivered a low cross.
The match had looked set to end in a stalemate. Panama defended bravely throughout the contest and limited Ghana’s attacking threats. They even stopped dangerous winger Antoine Semenyo from creating clear chances.
The first 45 minutes saw few opportunities at either end. Ghana failed to register a single shot before the interval as both teams played cautiously.
The game opened up after the break. Panama nearly took the lead on the hour mark when Martinez struck the side-netting from a tight angle. Moments earlier, Thomas-Asante had entered the pitch and added fresh energy to the African side’s attack.
Ghana should have scored in the 65th minute. Ayew received the ball from Semenyo with an open goal in front of him, but Panama defender Ramos produced a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny him.
The breakthrough finally arrived five minutes into stoppage time. Thomas-Asante, who plays for Coventry City in the English Championship, used his pace to get past the defence and set up Yirenkyi for the simplest of finishes.
Panama almost equalised four minutes later. Goalkeeper Mosquera ventured forward for a corner and won a header inside the penalty area, but he could not direct it on target.
The result leaves Panama facing an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages. They must now face European heavyweights England and Croatia in their final two group matches.
Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz expressed satisfaction with his team’s mental strength. “We battled like warriors,” he stated. “We used our intelligence to win this match. We knew Panama would control possession, so we allowed them to come at us. This patience brought us victory.”