Caleb Yirenkyi snatched a 95th-minute winner to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, denying the Central Americans their first-ever World Cup point.
The Black Stars, who had endured a bumpy build-up to the tournament, delivered a significant victory in Canada. Yirenkyi’s late strike sparked wild celebrations among the Ghanaian bench and players, while Panama were left heartbroken after coming so close to securing a historic result.
“Caleb Yirenkyi's 95th-minute goal gave Ghana a 1-0 win over Panama, denying them their first World Cup point.”
Panama, appearing in only their second World Cup, had never previously earned a point in the competition. They had defended stubbornly for the entirety of normal time and looked set to hold out for a goalless draw before Yirenkyi struck in stoppage time.
The goal, scored in the fifth minute of added time, was a devastating blow to the Panamanian hopes. For Ghana, the win was a statement after a troubled preparation period, with the team managing to put those off-field issues aside to start their campaign with three points.
The match was played in Toronto, one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup. The result leaves Ghana top of their group early on, while Panama will rue a missed opportunity to make history.