2026 FIFA World Cup | Group L | Tuesday June 17
- Ghana 1-0 Panama
Caleb Yirenkyi struck in the dying moments to give Ghana a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama at Toronto Stadium and keep the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign on track.
The match appeared headed for a draw until substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante burst into the penalty area in stoppage time and squared the ball for Yirenkyi, who tapped home his first international goal to seal a hard fought win.
Panama had created the better chances for much of the game and nearly took the lead in the first half. Amir Murillo’s low cross found Cecilio Waterman inside the box, but Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi produced an excellent diving save.
The Black Stars survived another scare when Ati Zigi’s punch fell to Jiovany Ramos, only for the Panama defender to fire over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
Panama continued to threaten after the break. Cristian Martinez worked space for a shot inside the area but could only find the side netting as Ghana struggled to gain control.
Carlos Queiroz responded with changes just before the hour mark, introducing Thomas-Asante, whose impact would prove decisive.
The substitute almost created an immediate breakthrough when he raced down the right and picked out Jordan Ayew, but Ramos recovered brilliantly to block the striker’s effort.
With both sides seemingly settling for a point, Thomas-Asante produced one final burst of pace deep into stoppage time. He drove into the box from the left and rolled the ball across goal for Yirenkyi, who made no mistake from close range.
The late winner handed Ghana all three points and denied Panama what would have been their first-ever World Cup point.
Much of the night Panama looked the more likely winners, but Yirenkyi’s late intervention ensured the Black Stars left Toronto celebrating. The two sides are in the same group with England who beat Croatia 4-2.
Watch all 104 2026 FIFA World Cup matches which will be broadcast live on GOtv and DStv’s dedicated FIFA World Cup channels – Everything Can Wait.
