By Zobia Zulfqar 
Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage-time winner in a tense encounter at Toronto Stadium.
The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of second-half added time when Yirenkyi finished off a swift counterattack to hand the Black Stars all three points in a match that appeared destined to end in a draw.
The dramatic goal sparked wild celebrations among Ghanaian players and supporters, while tensions boiled over moments later as players from both sides became involved in a brief altercation before the referee brought the match to an end.
The victory gives Ghana a valuable start to its World Cup campaign and places the team in a strong position ahead of difficult upcoming matches against England and Croatia.
The match began cautiously, with Panama looking the more dangerous side during the opening half. The Central Americans created the first clear opportunity of the game in just the second minute when striker Cecilio Waterman unleashed a volley from close range, forcing Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi into an excellent diving save.
Panama continued to enjoy more possession and attacking momentum before halftime, although clear scoring opportunities remained limited.
Their best chance of the first half arrived in the 38th minute when Ati Zigi punched away a dangerous cross into the penalty area. The loose ball fell to defender Jiovany Ramos, but his right-footed effort sailed wide of the target.
Ghana struggled to create opportunities throughout the opening 45 minutes and failed to register a single shot. It marked the first time at the 2026 World Cup that a team completed an entire first half without attempting a shot on goal.
The Black Stars suffered another setback at halftime when goalkeeper Ati Zigi was forced off with an injury. Benjamin Asare replaced him between the posts for the second half.
Despite the slow start, Ghana emerged from the break with greater intensity and gradually began to take control of proceedings. The team’s first effort on goal came in the 48th minute when Jonas Adjetey directed a header toward goal, only for Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera to make a comfortable save.
The second half saw both teams increase the tempo, but neither side was able to create many clear-cut opportunities. Ghana enjoyed more possession and territorial advantage after the interval, while Panama remained dangerous on the counterattack.
As the match entered stoppage time, it appeared both teams would settle for a point. However, Ghana produced one final attack that changed the outcome of the game.
After winning possession deep inside their own half, the Black Stars launched a rapid counterattack. Brandon Thomas-Asante carried the ball down the left flank and drove into Panama’s penalty area before delivering a precise pass across the face of goal.
Yirenkyi timed his run perfectly and calmly redirected the ball into the net from close range, sending Ghana’s supporters into celebration and securing a memorable late victory.
The match had been viewed as a crucial encounter between the two teams, with many observers expecting Ghana and Panama to compete for third place behind group favorites England and Croatia.
Earlier in the day, England strengthened their position at the top of Group L with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Ghana entered the tournament ranked 73rd in the FIFA World Rankings, significantly lower than Panama, who were ranked 34th. The result therefore represents an important boost for the Black Stars as they seek to advance beyond the group stage.
The victory was achieved without experienced midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unavailable after being denied entry to Canada due to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Partey has denied all allegations against him and is expected to be available for Ghana’s remaining group matches in the United States.
Ghana will now turn its attention to a challenging clash against England in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Tuesday. Panama, meanwhile, will remain in Toronto to face Croatia in another crucial Group L fixture.
For the Black Stars, Yirenkyi’s dramatic late winner could prove to be one of the most important goals of their World Cup campaign as they chase a place in the knockout rounds.
Source: Al Jazeera