Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening FIFA World Cup Group L match after Caleb Yirenkyi struck deep into stoppage time on a rain-soaked evening in Toronto.
With the game seemingly destined for a goalless draw, Ghana launched a swift counterattack in the fifth minute of added time. Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank before delivering a precise pass into the penalty area, where Yirenkyi arrived to tap home the decisive goal and spark jubilant celebrations among Ghanaian players and supporters.
The dramatic finish was followed by a brief confrontation involving players from both sides before the referee brought the match to an end.
The contest was largely devoid of clear-cut chances for long periods. Panama controlled much of the first half and created the better opportunities, forcing Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi into an early save from Cecilio Waterman’s volley in the second minute. Panama also threatened shortly before halftime, but Jiovany Ramos fired wide after a defensive clearance fell kindly to him inside the box.
Ghana struggled to generate attacking momentum before the break and failed to register a single shot in the opening 45 minutes. Their first meaningful effort came three minutes into the second half when Jonas Adjetey’s header was comfortably saved by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.
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The Black Stars improved after the interval, controlling more possession and pushing forward with greater intent, but genuine scoring chances remained scarce until the dramatic late breakthrough.
Ghana suffered a setback at halftime when goalkeeper Ati Zigi was forced off through injury and replaced by Benjamin Asare. However, the substitute keeper was rarely troubled as Ghana gradually gained control of proceedings.
The match was viewed as a key encounter between the two teams expected to compete for third place in Group L, which also features tournament favourites England and Croatia. Earlier in the day, England defeated Croatia 4-2 to take an early lead in the group standings.
Ghana entered the tournament ranked 73rd in the world, while Panama were ranked 34th. Despite the gap in rankings, the African side showed resilience and determination to claim all three points in dramatic fashion.
The Black Stars are making their fifth World Cup appearance in the last six editions of the tournament, with their best performance coming in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals. Panama, meanwhile, are competing in only their second World Cup after losing all three group-stage matches in their 2018 debut.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday. Ghana will face England in Foxborough, Massachusetts, while Panama take on Croatia in Toronto.
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