- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Yirenkyi Scores Late as Ghana Beat Panama
Ghana began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama after Caleb Yirenkyi scored deep into stoppage time to secure all three points in Toronto.
The Group L match at BMO Field looked destined to end in a draw before Yirenkyi struck in the 95th minute, giving the Black Stars a winning start to the tournament.
Panama started brightly and almost took the lead inside two minutes when Cecilio Waterman connected with a low cross, but goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made an important save to keep the scores level.
The Central Americans dominated much of the first half, enjoying more possession and creating the better chances. Ghana struggled to find their rhythm and failed to register a shot throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Ati-Zigi was Ghana’s busiest player in the first half, producing several saves and dealing with constant pressure from Panama. However, the goalkeeper suffered an injury and was unable to continue after halftime.
His replacement, Benjamin Asare, was handed a World Cup debut at the start of the second half.
Ghana improved after the break and began to show more attacking intent. Jonas Adjetey forced the team’s first shot on target with a header, while substitutes Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante added energy and pace to the attack.
Fatawu caused problems down the wing and drew a yellow card from Panama defender Cesar Blackman after a dangerous run towards the penalty area.
The Black Stars came close to scoring when Antoine Semenyo delivered a low cross into the box, but Panama defender Ramos intercepted before Jordan Ayew could get a touch.
Panama also threatened to break the deadlock. Cristian Martinez fired into the side netting, briefly fooling some supporters into thinking the ball had gone in.
As the match entered stoppage time, a draw seemed the likely outcome. But Ghana produced one final attack.
After winning possession from a Panama move, Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank and skipped past a challenge before sending a low cross into the penalty area.
Yirenkyi, who came into the squad after Thomas Partey’s absence from the tournament, arrived at the right moment and calmly finished from close range to send the Ghana supporters into celebration.
The late goal secured a valuable victory for the Black Stars and moved them level on points with England, who defeated Croatia 4-2 in the other Group L match.
Ghana will now turn their attention to a crucial clash against England on June 23, while Panama will face Croatia as both teams continue their fight for a place in the knockout stages.
