World Cup 2026: Last-gasp Caleb Yirenkyi strike gives Ghana dramatic win over Panama

Ghana opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought and dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama, sealing all three points in stoppage time after a tense and closely contested Group L encounter.

The Black Stars endured a difficult start at BMO Field in Toronto but grew into the game as it progressed, eventually showing greater control and resilience before finding a decisive breakthrough at the death.

Early Panic as Panama Start Fast

Panama nearly stunned Ghana inside the opening minutes.

In the 2nd minute, Cecilio Waterman found space at the edge of the box after a well-timed pass and unleashed a powerful effort towards the left corner. However, Lawrence Ati Zigi produced a superb save to keep the shot out and settle early nerves.

Ghana were forced to withstand early pressure as Panama looked sharper in the opening exchanges.

Ghana Survive Penalty Appeal

The Black Stars were again tested in the 34th minute when Christian Martínez burst into the box and went down under a challenge.

Panama appealed strongly for a penalty, but the referee was unmoved and signalled for play to continue, allowing Ghana to escape another dangerous moment.

Missed Chances as Game Opens Up

The second half saw Panama continue to threaten.

In the 60th minute, Ghana failed to clear their lines and a loose rebound fell kindly to Martínez inside the area, but his strike flew narrowly wide of the right post with the goalkeeper beaten.

Ghana gradually began to grow into the contest, creating more structured attacking moves as the game wore on.

Brandon Thomas-Asante delivered a dangerous pass into the box in the 66th minute, but Panama’s defence reacted quickly to clear the danger, with Ghana winning a corner from the move.

From the resulting set-piece in the 73rd minute, Jonas Adjetey rose well to meet a whipped delivery, but his header went just wide of the left post from close range.

Yirenkyi Delivers Late Drama

Just when the match looked set to end in a stalemate, Ghana found their moment.

In the 90+3 minute, Caleb Yirenkyi latched onto an opportunity inside the box and calmly slotted the ball into the net to give the Black Stars a priceless breakthrough.

The late strike sparked jubilant celebrations as Ghana secured a crucial opening win in their World Cup campaign.

Perfect Start for the Black Stars

Despite a slow start and several nervy moments, Ghana showed defensive discipline and patience to grow into the match before delivering a decisive late blow.

The victory places the Black Stars in a strong position in Group L as they look ahead to tougher tests against England and Croatia.