Caleb Yirenkyi emerged as Ghana’s unlikely hero after scoring a dramatic injury-time winner to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in the Black Stars’ opening Group L match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto.
The 20-year-old midfielder struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time at BMO Field, breaking Panama’s resistance and handing Ghana a crucial three points in a match that appeared destined to end in a goalless draw.
The victory provides a major boost to Ghana’s hopes of progressing from a challenging group that also includes England and Croatia.
Panama Dominates Early Exchanges
The Black Stars endured a difficult start as Panama took control of possession and created the better opportunities during the opening half.
Just two minutes into the contest, Panama threatened through Waterman, whose effort was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi. The Panamanians continued to dictate proceedings, enjoying nearly 65 percent possession while limiting Ghana’s attacking influence.
Ati-Zigi was repeatedly called into action to keep the Black Stars in the game. The goalkeeper also suffered a heavy collision while dealing with a dangerous cross and later appeared to struggle with a thigh injury.
Ghana, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm and failed to register a shot during a disappointing first-half display.
The second half began with Ghana facing a major setback as Ati-Zigi was unable to continue.
His replacement, Benjamin Asare, was handed an unexpected debut on football’s biggest stage and responded confidently under pressure.
The introduction of substitutes Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante injected much-needed energy into Ghana’s attack. Fatawu’s direct running caused problems for the Panama defence and earned Cesar Blackman a booking after a foul near the penalty area.
Ghana gradually improved and created several promising moments. Jonas Adjetey tested the goalkeeper with a header, while Antoine Semenyo delivered a dangerous cross that almost found Jordan Ayew before a crucial defensive intervention.
Panama also came close to breaking the deadlock when Cristian Martinez fired into the side netting.
Yirenkyi Delivers the Decisive Moment
With the match entering stoppage time, Panama pushed forward in search of a winner but were punished on the counterattack.
Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank before delivering a low cross into the penalty area. Yirenkyi reacted quickest, arriving at the perfect moment to slot home from close range and spark wild celebrations among Ghanaian supporters.
The goal secured Ghana’s first win of the tournament and denied Panama what would have been a historic first World Cup point.
Elsewhere in Group L, England defeated Croatia 4-2 to move to the top of the standings.
Ghana will now shift focus to a highly anticipated showdown with England on June 23, while Panama faces Croatia in its next group-stage fixture.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Caleb Yirenkyi, whose late intervention ensured the Black Stars began their World Cup campaign in winning fashion.
READ ALSO: Ghana's Bond Market Turnover Surges to GH¢7.16 billion
