World Cup 2026: Ghana snatch dramatic stoppage-time win over Panama

Caleb Yirenkyi's stoppage-time strike earned Ghana a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama in a lively World Cup 2026 Group L clash in Toronto on Wednesday. Ghana secured all three points despite losing goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi to injury at half-time.

In Short

• Yirenkyi grabs stoppage-time winner as Ghana beat Panama
• Ghana failed to register a first-half shot, a tournament first
• Ghana lost goalkeeper Ati Zigi at half-time after collision

Caleb Yirenkyi scored deep into stoppage time as Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in rainy Toronto on Wednesday.

The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time when Ghana launched a swift counterattack from their own half. Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank and drove into the penalty area before squaring the ball for Yirenkyi, who arrived unmarked to tap home the winner.

Ghana vs Panama, FIFA World Cup 2026: UPDATES

The late strike settled a contest that had produced few clear-cut chances for much of the evening. Panama were the more threatening side in the first half, while Ghana improved considerably after the break and enjoyed greater control of possession.

The match was considered crucial for both sides in a group also featuring England and Croatia. Earlier in the day, England defeated Croatia 4-2, making Ghana's victory an important boost in the race for qualification from Group L.

Panama nearly made the perfect start when Cecilio Waterman tested goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi with a 15-yard volley in the second minute, but the Ghanaian shot-stopper reacted sharply to push the effort away. Panama continued to probe and came close again in the 38th minute when Jiovany Ramos fired wide after Ati Zigi punched clear a dangerous cross.

Ghana suffered a setback at half-time when Ati Zigi was forced off through injury, with Benjamin Asare replacing him between the posts.

The Black Stars struggled to create opportunities before the interval and failed to register a single shot in the opening 45 minutes, becoming the first team at this year's tournament to do so. Their first attempt arrived three minutes after the restart when Jonas Adjetey's header was comfortably saved by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.

Despite their improved display in the second half, Ghana looked set to be frustrated until Yirenkyi's late intervention sparked celebrations among the travelling supporters.

Ghana entered the tournament without influential midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unable to enter Canada after being denied a visa due to pending sexual assault charges in England. Partey has denied the allegations and is expected to be available for Ghana's remaining group-stage matches in the United States.

The victory marked a positive start for Ghana, who are appearing at their fifth World Cup in the last six editions. Their best finish remains the quarter-final run in South Africa in 2010.

For Panama, who are making only their second World Cup appearance after losing all three group-stage matches in 2018, the defeat was a painful setback after an encouraging display.

Ghana will next face England in Foxborough on Tuesday, while Panama remain in Toronto to take on Croatia.

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