Ghana kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from Caleb Yirenkyi at Toronto’s BMO Field on Wednesday.
The Group L encounter seemed destined to end without a goal until the Black Stars launched a swift counterattack deep into added time. Yirenkyi capitalised in the 95th minute, scoring the decisive goal to hand Ghana all three points.
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Panama started strongly and almost opened the scoring within the first two minutes. Cecilio Waterman found space inside the box following a dangerous low cross, but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.
The Central Americans controlled much of the first half, enjoying the majority of possession and limiting Ghana’s attacking influence. The Black Stars struggled to create meaningful chances and failed to register a shot during the opening 45 minutes.
Ati-Zigi was Ghana’s standout performer before the break, making several crucial saves and confidently dealing with aerial threats despite suffering a heavy challenge from Carlos Harvey.
The St Gallen shot-stopper later appeared to pick up a thigh injury and received treatment before the interval. However, he could not continue after halftime and was replaced by Benjamin Asare, who made his FIFA World Cup debut.
Ghana returned for the second half with greater attacking purpose. Jonas Adjetey tested Panama’s goalkeeper with a header, registering the Black Stars’ first shot on target.
The introduction of Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Brandon Thomas-Asante injected fresh energy into Ghana’s attack. Fatawu’s pace and direct approach caused problems for Panama’s defence, forcing Cesar Blackman into a yellow card after a foul near the penalty area.
Otto Addo’s men continued to press forward and nearly found the breakthrough when Antoine Semenyo delivered a dangerous ball across goal, but Edgardo Ramos intervened to deny Jordan Ayew a close-range finish.
Panama also threatened, with Cristian Martínez coming close after striking the side netting.
With the match heading toward a draw, Ghana delivered the decisive moment in stoppage time. After regaining possession, Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left wing, beat his marker, and sent a low cross into the box.
Yirenkyi, who stepped into the side following Thomas Partey’s absence, arrived perfectly to slot home the winner from close range.
The late goal sparked jubilant celebrations among Ghanaian supporters in Toronto and secured a vital opening victory for the four-time African champions.
The result gives Ghana an early advantage in Group L while denying Panama what would have been the nation’s first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup.
Elsewhere in the group, England defeated Croatia 4-2 to take top spot in the standings.
Ghana will next face England in a highly anticipated fixture on June 23, while Panama will attempt to recover when they take on Croatia later that day.