Caleb Yirenkyi celebrated a dramatic late goal for Ghana against Panama in their opening game of the 2026 World Cup, securing a vital 1-0 victory. The forward steered in Brandon Thomas-Asante's cross in stoppage time to settle a match with few clear chances, lifting Ghana level with England at the top of Group L.
First Half: Panama Dominates but Fails to Score
Panama started strongly, with Cecilio Waterman forcing a sharp save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the second minute after meeting a cross from the right. Despite this early chance, the first half remained cagey in the Toronto rain. Cristian Martínez had a penalty appeal waved away as he attempted to latch onto a ball over the top, and Jiovany Ramos fired high and wide after Ati-Zigi's acrobatic punch landed at his feet.
Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo moved centrally as the half progressed, finally creating Ghana's first effort on goal just before the break with a through ball that ended with Marvin Senaya's shot missing the target. Ati-Zigi, who received treatment after a collision, was replaced at halftime by Benjamin Asare.
Second Half: Ghana Improves and Breaks Through
Ghana carved their first notable attempt after the restart, with Jonas Adjetey heading straight at Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. Martínez then failed to steer the ball inside the post at the other end. Ghana grew brighter, and only a last-ditch touch from Ramos prevented Jordan Ayew from sliding home. Ramos curled wide from the edge of the box as the game opened up, and an offside flag denied Thomas-Asante a late winner before he delivered the cross for Yirenkyi's decisive goal.
Coaches React
Ghana's coach, Carlos Queiroz, expressed confidence in his team, stating, "With the football we played today, we can count on Ghana to do something." He complained about Panama's rough handling of Ghana players and described his team as "naive and not aggressive in the first half." Queiroz also confirmed uncertainty over Ati-Zigi's availability for Tuesday's match against England in Boston.
Panama's head coach, Thomas Christiansen, called the defeat "painful" and said, "We deserved better. We have lessons to learn. At the World Cup, mistakes are expensive. Now is not the time for regrets. We will not be timid against Croatia. We want to show that Panama is difficult to beat and we will fight until the last breath."
