Ghana snatched victory in dramatic fashion as Caleb Yirenkyi struck in the fifth minute of added time to secure a 1-0 success over Panama in Toronto. With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Brandon Thomas-Asante burst down the left flank, beat his defender, and delivered a low pass across goal for Yirenkyi to finish from close range.
The late breakthrough denied Panama what would have been their first point at a World Cup. Competing in only their fourth appearance at the tournament since debuting in 2018, the Central American side produced a determined display and matched their more experienced opponents for much of the contest.
Panama threaten early and often
The underdogs nearly moved ahead within two minutes when Cecilio Waterman tested Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, whose intervention pushed the effort over the crossbar.
Panama continued to search for an opening after the interval and came close again when Cristian Martinez fired into the side-netting from only a few yards out. It was one of the clearest opportunities in a match that offered few chances at either end.
As the clock ticked down, Panama committed numbers forward in pursuit of a breakthrough. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera joined a late attack from a set-piece and directed a header toward Ismael Diaz, but Diaz’s attempt was gathered by Benjamin Asare.
Goalkeeping change after injury setback
Ghana were forced into a change at the break after Ati Zigi sustained an injury in the opening half. The goalkeeper landed awkwardly and was unable to continue, prompting head coach Carlos Queiroz to introduce Asare for the second period.
Asare was called into action during Panama’s late pressure and helped preserve the clean sheet before Ghana found the decisive goal moments later.
England next as Ghana seek improvement
Despite taking all three points, Ghana generated little attacking threat before their stoppage-time winner. Queiroz’s team will likely need a stronger performance in their next outing if they are to challenge Group L leaders, England.
Ghana meets England in Boston on Tuesday, while Panama returns to Toronto on Wednesday to face Croatia. Panama will be aiming to end their run of defeats at World Cups and finally register a point on the global stage.
Ghana were also without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry to Canada because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.