Ghana’s Black Stars launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a nerve-shredding 1-0 win over Panama, courtesy of a last-gasp strike from midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi that turned a grinding, goalless stalemate into a famous away victory at Toronto Stadium on Wednesday night.
For long stretches, this looked destined to be a frustrating night for Carlos Queiroz’s side. But football has a way of rewarding patience, and in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Ghana found the breakthrough their second-half pressure deserved.
Both sides opened the contest with the caution befitting a group stage clash featuring England and Croatia, fully aware that an early win could prove pivotal in the race for the knockout rounds. It was Panama, however, who emerged the sharper of the two teams in the opening period, carving out several promising openings that tested the resolve of Ghana’s defense.
Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was called into action more than once, producing a string of important saves to keep the scoreline level and steady his side through an uneasy opening half.
As the half wore on, Ghana began to assert themselves, gaining a firmer grip on possession. Captain Jordan Ayew, alongside Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah, spearheaded the Black Stars’ search for an opening, probing a well-organized Panamanian backline. Yet for all their possession and territorial dominance, the final ball proved elusive, with Panama’s disciplined shape repeatedly snuffing out danger.
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Ghana’s afternoon took an unwelcome turn at the interval when Ati-Zigi was forced off through injury, handing goalkeeping duties to Benjamin Asare. The substitute goalkeeper, however, showed no signs of nerves, delivering a calm and assured display that included several crucial stops to preserve Ghana’s clean sheet through a tense second period.
With the clock ticking down and a draw looking the most probable outcome, Ghana refused to relent. Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante proved the catalyst, surging forward with an incisive run before slipping a low cross into the box. Yirenkyi arrived at the perfect moment, finishing with composure to spark wild celebrations among the travelling Ghanaian faithful and secure a dramatic three points.
The victory hands Ghana a commanding early position in Group L as they turn their attention to a highly anticipated clash with England. Panama, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly when they face Croatia in their next outing.
For Queiroz and his squad, the win marks the perfect start to their World Cup ambitions, a statement of resilience that will fuel hopes of a deep run as the tournament’s tougher tests loom on the horizon.