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Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama after Caleb Yirenkyi scored a 95th-minute winner to deny the Central Americans a historic first-ever FIFA World Cup point in Toronto.
In a match that produced few clear-cut opportunities, the Black Stars snatched all three points deep into stoppage time when Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank, beat his marker and squared a precise pass for Yirenkyi, who calmly tapped home from close range.
The late strike was a cruel blow for Panama, who had been seconds away from ending their winless World Cup record in only their fourth appearance at the tournament since making their debut in 2018.
Panama almost took an early lead inside two minutes when Cecilio Waterman’s effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
The Central Americans continued to threaten after the break, with Cristian Martinez firing narrowly into the side netting from close range.
In the closing stages, Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera joined an attacking set-piece and helped create one final opportunity, but Ismael Diaz’s header was comfortably gathered by Ghana substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Ghana were forced into a change at half-time after Zigi sustained an injury following an awkward landing in the first half, prompting coach Carlos Queiroz to introduce Asare.
Despite securing victory, Ghana delivered an unconvincing performance and will likely need significant improvement ahead of their next Group L fixture against England in Boston on Tuesday.
Panama, meanwhile, will seek to register their first points of the tournament when they face Croatia in Toronto on Wednesday.
The Black Stars were also without influential midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unavailable after being denied entry into Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The result leaves Ghana with a valuable three points in Group L, where England currently lead following their 4-2 victory over Croatia.
