FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener at a rainy Toronto Stadium thanks to a dramatic 95th-minute goal from 20-year-old midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi. The victory is a winning start to a historic campaign for veteran manager Carlos Queiroz, who is now become the first manager to participate in five consecutive World Cups.
A Cautious Affair in the Rain
The match got underway at a high tempo despite the wet conditions. Panama almost had the perfect start inside the opening three minutes as Michael Amir Murillo sent a dangerous low cross into the box. A sharp first-time shot from forward Cecilio Waterman was kept out by a brilliant diving save from Ghana’s starting custodian Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Panama controlled the pace for much of the first half, with 56 per cent possession and asking heavy questions of the Ghanaian backline. The Black Stars had a blow just before the interval when Ati-Zigi picked up a groin injury and could not continue. He was replaced at half time by Benjamin Asare, who stepped up to make an unexpected World Cup debut under immense pressure.
Tactical Change Pays Off
Clear-cut chances were few and far between for either side as the second half progressed. Panama’s organised, possession-heavy shape continued to choke Ghana’s midfield. Just before the hour mark, Queiroz turned to his bench for a little more spark in attack, bringing on substitutes Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante. The tactical move changed the complexion of the attack and gave Ghana the scope to get forward on quick transitions through wide channels.
Thomas-Asante rapidly became the figurehead of Ghana’s renaissance. He first created Jordan Ayew, who was denied by a goal-saving tackle from Jiovany Ramos, and then had his close-range goal disallowed by a late offside flag in the 90th minute.
Stoppage-Time Saviour
Just when Panama looked set to claim their first-ever World Cup point with a hard-earned, goalless draw, Ghana conjured up a stunning counter-attack in the dying seconds of stoppage time.
Antoine Semenyo released Thomas-Asante, who used his blistering pace to surge down the left flank and into the 18-yard box. He rolled a low cross calmly past the reaching arms of Panama custodian Orlando Mosquera. Caleb Yirenkyi of FC Nordsjaelland scored the opening goal for the Black Stars at the 94:35 mark after arriving with perfect anticipation to tap the ball into an empty net for his first international goal. The Black Stars erupted in ecstatic celebrations following it as they rounded off a memorable victory.Â
