Ghana Secures Dramatic World Cup Opener with Last-Gasp Goal Against Panama

Ghana has kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama, courtesy of a dramatic late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi. The strike in stoppage time secured all three points for Ghana, propelling them to the top of Group L alongside England.

The match, played in challenging conditions in Toronto, was a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances for either side. Panama started brighter, with Cecilio Waterman forcing a save from Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the opening minutes. Despite appeals for a penalty and some attacking pressure, Panama struggled to convert their early opportunities.

Por que importa

Ghana’s attacking threat grew as the first half progressed, with Antoine Semenyo becoming more involved. However, their first notable effort on goal came just before halftime, a shot from Marvin Senaya that posed little threat.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Match | Ghana vs. Panama |
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Result | Ghana 1 – 0 Panama |
| Goalscorer | Caleb Yirenkyi (90+ minutes) |
| Group | Group L |

Second Half Sees Increased Intensity

Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who received treatment late in the first half, was replaced at halftime by Benjamin Asare. The change seemed to inject new life into the Ghanaian side, who emerged for the second half with renewed purpose. Jonas Adjetey’s header was Ghana’s first effort on target in the second half, forcing a save from Orlando Mosquera.

Panama continued to look for openings, but a last-ditch defensive intervention from Jiovany Ramos denied Jordan Ayew a clear scoring opportunity. Ramos himself went close to breaking the deadlock moments later, firing wide from the edge of the box.

As the game entered its final stages, both teams pushed for a winner. An offside call and a save from Mosquera denied Brandon Thomas-Asante what seemed like a late goal. However, Thomas-Asante was instrumental in the decisive moment, releasing the cross that found Caleb Yirenkyi, who steered the ball home in stoppage time to seal a vital victory for Ghana.

The result is a significant boost for Ghana as they aim to progress from a competitive group. The win sets a positive tone for their World Cup journey, proving their ability to secure results even in tight encounters. For Panama, the match offers a stark lesson in clinical finishing and the importance of maintaining concentration until the final whistle.

Source: The Guardian Football – https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/18/ghana-panama-world-cup-2026-match-report-group-l

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