Caleb Yirenkyi scored a dramatic late goal to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, propelling the Black Stars to the top of Group L alongside England.
Match Summary
Yirenkyi steered in Brandon Thomas-Asante's cross in stoppage time to settle a match that featured few clear-cut chances. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Ghanaian players and fans in the rainy Toronto stadium.
First Half Action
Panama started brightly, with Cecilio Waterman forcing a good save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the second minute after latching onto a cross from the right. However, that was a rare opening in a cagey opening period.
Cristian Martinez had a penalty appeal waved away as he tried to connect with a ball over the top, and Jiovany Ramos fired high and wide after Ati-Zigi had acrobatically punched the ball into his path.
Second Half Improvements
Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo moved more centrally as the half progressed, finally making a significant impact just before the break with a through ball that led to Ghana's first attempt on goal – Marvin Senaya's effort endangered the corner flag more than the net.
Ati-Zigi, who received treatment late in the first half, was replaced at halftime by Benjamin Asare. Ghana then carved out a notable chance when Jonas Adjetey headed straight at Orlando Mosquera.
Martinez was unable to steer the ball inside the post at the other end, but Ghana were much brighter after the break. Only a last-ditch touch from Ramos prevented Leicester City's Jordan Ayew from sliding home.
Ramos curled wide from the edge of the box moments later as the game opened up. An offside flag and Mosquera denied Thomas-Asante a late winner before he was released again moments later to deliver the cross for Yirenkyi's decisive goal.
