Yirenkyi’s Stoppage-Time Strike Hands Ghana Dramatic 1-Win Over Panama in World Cup Opener
Ghana opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama after Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage-time winner in Toronto on Wednesday night.
Just when the Group L encounter appeared destined to end in a goalless draw, Yirenkyi popped up in the 95th minute to tap home from close range after a well-worked move involving substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante, sending the Black Stars bench and supporters into wild celebrations.
The late goal secured all three points for Ghana and provided the perfect start to their quest for a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
The Black Stars started the match with Lawrence Ati Zigi in goal, behind a defence made up of Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku and Gideon Mensah. Elisha Owusu and Caleb Yirenkyi operated in midfield, while Ernest Nuamah, captain Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Kamaldeen Sulemana led the attack.
Ghana enjoyed periods of possession and looked the more adventurous side in the opening exchanges but struggled to break down a resilient Panama defence.
Panama, however, remained dangerous on the counterattack and tested the Ghanaian backline on several occasions, with goalkeeper Ati Zigi called into action to keep the scores level.
The first half ended 0-0, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the breakthrough.
After the restart, the contest became increasingly physical as both sides searched for an opening goal.
Panama defender César Blackman was booked in the 72nd minute as tensions rose in a fiercely contested battle.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz introduced fresh legs in the latter stages, including Brandon Thomas-Asante, as Ghana pushed for a winner.
The tactical changes eventually paid off deep into stoppage time.
With the match entering its final moments, Thomas-Asante produced a decisive attacking contribution, creating space and delivering the ball into a dangerous area where Yirenkyi arrived to apply the finishing touch.
The midfielder calmly tapped the ball into the net in the 95th minute, sparking jubilant scenes among the Ghana players and fans inside the stadium.
The late strike proved to be the difference as Ghana held on through the remaining seconds to secure a hard-fought victory.
The win gives the Black Stars a valuable three points in Group L and boosts their chances of advancing to the next round of the competition.
It also continues Ghana’s tradition of producing memorable moments on the World Cup stage, with the Black Stars once again demonstrating resilience and determination under pressure.
Attention now turns to Ghana’s next group-stage fixture against England in Boston, a match expected to play a significant role in determining the group’s final standings.
The Black Stars will then conclude their Group L campaign against Croatia as they seek to book a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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