Ghana made a dramatic start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner.
The Black Stars looked set to settle for a draw in their Group L opener before Yirenkyi struck in the 95th minute to hand Ghana all three points and spark wild celebrations among players, coaches and supporters.
In a match that produced few clear chances, Panama appeared on course to claim the first World Cup point in their history. However, Ghana found a breakthrough at the last minute.
Brandon Thomas-Asante was the architect of the winning goal after producing an excellent run down the left wing. The Coventry City forward skipped past a challenge from Panama defender Jose Cordoba before sending a low cross into the penalty area.
Yirenkyi, who plays for Danish club Nordsjaelland, arrived at the far post to tap into an empty net and send the Ghana fans into celebration.
The game had been evenly contested for long periods, with Panama defending resolutely and creating a few opportunities of their own. Yoel Barcenas came close to breaking the deadlock late in the second half, but his effort flew over the crossbar.
Panama threw everyone forward in search of a late winner, including goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, who joined an injury-time corner. The resulting scramble inside the Ghana box was eventually cleared before the Black Stars launched the attack that led to the decisive goal moments later.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz praised his team’s patience and determination after securing victory in his first World Cup match in charge.
“First we had to suffer, we battled like warriors. We won the game with the brains,” Queiroz said after the match.
“We knew Panama were a good team and our strategy was to stay patient and take our chance when it came.”
The victory moves Ghana level on points with England at the top of Group L after the Three Lions defeated Croatia 4-2 in the other group match.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s highly anticipated clash between England and Ghana, with both teams looking to take a major step towards qualification for the knockout stage.
For Panama, the defeat was a heartbreaking one after coming within seconds of earning a valuable point from their opening World Cup fixture.
