Caleb Yirenkyi scored deep into stoppage time as Ghana snatched a 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, handing the Black Stars a dramatic winning start in Toronto.
With the contest seemingly heading for a goalless draw, substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante broke down the left flank in the 95th minute and delivered a low cross into the area for Yirenkyi, Ghana’s youngest player at the tournament, to convert from close range and spark jubilant celebrations among the travelling supporters at BMO Field.
The result ended Ghana’s six-match winless run and lifted Carlos Queiroz’s side to second place in the group behind England, who defeated Croatia 4-2 in the other fixture.
Playing without suspended midfielder Thomas Partey and injured attacking talisman Mohammed Kudus, Ghana struggled for long periods and failed to register a shot on target in the opening half.
Panama, seeking their first-ever World Cup point, created the better opportunities and almost took the lead early when Cecilio Waterman forced goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a sharp save inside two minutes.
The Panamanians continued to threaten through wide areas, while Ghana found little rhythm in attack in difficult weather conditions as heavy rain swept across Toronto.
Ati-Zigi, who had been Ghana’s busiest player in the first half, was forced off at the break following a collision, paving the way for Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to make his World Cup debut.
Queiroz responded by introducing Abdul Fatawu and Thomas-Asante after the interval, with the substitutions providing greater attacking impetus.
Ghana gradually improved and created several openings, including one effort that was cleared off the line. However, a draw appeared inevitable until the closing moments.
Thomas-Asante’s determined run and cross eventually unlocked the Panama defence, with Yirenkyi arriving at the far post to bundle the ball home and secure his second international goal.
The victory may have flattered Ghana after a largely subdued display, but it gives the four-time African champions renewed belief ahead of a daunting encounter against England next week.
