Ghana Stun Panama With Late Winner

Ghana’s national team secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening World Cup Group L fixture in Toronto on Wednesday, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a stoppage-time winner to decide a tightly contested match.

The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of added time when Yirenkyi bundled the ball home, ending a match that had largely been defined by defensive discipline and limited attacking quality.

The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among thousands of Ghanaian supporters inside the Toronto Stadium, as the result sealed a crucial opening win for the Black Stars.

The first half offered little in terms of attacking output from either side. Panama nearly struck early when Cecilio Waterman tested Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi in the second minute, but the effort was comfortably diverted away. Ghana, by contrast, failed to register a shot on target before the interval, reflecting their struggles in the final third.

Conditions worsened in the second half as steady rain fell across the stadium, though both teams showed improved intent. Panama’s Cristian Martinez came closest in the 60th minute, drawing a loud reaction from travelling supporters after firing into the side-netting.

As the match appeared destined for a goalless draw, Ghana found a breakthrough deep into stoppage time through Yirenkyi’s close-range finish.

Following the goal, Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz acknowledged supporters on the touchline as celebrations intensified around him. The fixture also marked a notable milestone for Queiroz, who has now appeared at five consecutive World Cups after previous spells with Portugal and Iran, placing him among a small group of coaches with such longevity at the tournament.

Attendance was reported at nearly 43,000, with moments of tension reflected in audible boos during a second-half hydration break under heavy rain.

Ghana achieved the win without Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied a World Cup visa by Canadian authorities due to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.