Ghana ended a six match winless run in dramatic fashion as Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage time winner to secure a hard fought 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Toronto Stadium on Thursday (GMT).
The Black Stars struggled for long periods and looked short of attacking ideas, but a moment of quality deep into added time handed Carlos Queiroz’s side a priceless three points.
Panama almost made the perfect start inside the opening two minutes. Cecilio Waterman got in front of his marker to meet a dangerous cross from the right wing and directed an effort towards goal. However, Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi reacted brilliantly, diving low to his right to push the ball away and keep the scores level.
That opportunity came after just 106 seconds and became the second earliest shot on target of the 2026 World Cup. Only Edmilson Junior’s effort for Qatar against Switzerland after 103 seconds came sooner.
Panama continued to look the more threatening side throughout a cagey first half. Jiovany Ramos tried his luck in the 38th minute, but his off balance strike drifted comfortably wide of the target.
Ghana struggled badly in attack and failed to register a single shot before half time. Matters became more difficult at the break when first choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi could not continue after receiving medical treatment.
His replacement, Benjamin Asare, entered the match for the second half and would later play a crucial role in preserving Ghana’s lead.
Carlos Queiroz’s side gradually improved after the restart and finally began to threaten the Panama defence. Their best opportunity arrived in the 68th minute when Antoine Semenyo drilled a first time cross across the face of goal.
Captain Jordan Ayew looked certain to score at the back post, but Panama defender Jiovany Ramos produced an outstanding last ditch intervention to deny the former Leicester City forward.
Despite enjoying more possession in the second half, Ghana struggled to create clear chances and the match appeared destined to end goalless.
Then came the decisive moment in the 95th minute.
Brandon Thomas-Asante produced a brilliant run down the left flank, skipping past a sliding challenge from Panama defender Jose Cordoba before delivering a perfect low cross into the six yard box.
Caleb Yirenkyi arrived at exactly the right moment and calmly fired into the empty net from close range to spark wild celebrations among the Ghana players and supporters.
The goal broke Panama hearts as they stood only seconds away from earning their first ever World Cup point.
Panama launched one final attack in the 98th minute and even sent goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera forward for a corner. The goalkeeper rose highest and headed towards goal, creating chaos inside the Ghana penalty area.
However, substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare remained composed and eventually gathered the loose ball amid a frantic scramble to secure the victory.
The winning goal capped a memorable night for Yirenkyi, one of Ghana’s brightest young talents. The FC Nordsjaelland midfielder, who graduated from the renowned Right to Dream Academy after joining at the age of 11, has often been compared to Ghana legend Michael Essien.
On this occasion, the 20 year old delivered when his country needed him most.
Queiroz, who only took charge of Ghana in April, could barely contain his joy at the final whistle as he ran onto the pitch to celebrate with his players and coaching staff.
For Panama, the defeat was particularly painful. They have now lost all four of their FIFA World Cup matches and remain without a point on football’s biggest stage.
The match was the first ever meeting between Ghana and Panama. Before this encounter, Ghana’s only World Cup matches against CONCACAF opposition came against the United States, with the Black Stars winning in 2006 and 2010 before losing in 2014. Panama’s only previous World Cup match against African opposition ended in a 2-1 defeat to Tunisia in 2018.
Ghana arrived at the tournament after qualifying as group winners, winning eight of their 10 qualifying matches, drawing one and losing one. Their only defeat came away to Comoros.
The victory also improved a poor recent World Cup record for the Black Stars. Before this match, Ghana had won just one of their previous seven World Cup games, a 3-2 victory over South Korea in 2022.
Just as importantly, Ghana recorded their first World Cup clean sheet since defeating Serbia 1-0 during the 2010 tournament. Before Thursday’s victory, they had conceded in each of their previous 10 World Cup matches and allowed at least two goals in each of their last six.
Yirenkyi’s winner, scored after 94 minutes and four seconds, set a new record as the latest goal ever scored by Ghana in a World Cup match excluding extra time.
At 20 years and 153 days old, he also became the second youngest player to score for the Black Stars at a FIFA World Cup. Only Draman Haminu, who scored against the United States in 2006 at 20 years and 82 days old, was younger.
It was not a classic performance from Ghana, but Yirenkyi’s late heroics ensured the Black Stars began their World Cup campaign with a crucial victory and renewed belief.
