Ghana kicked off the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in thrilling fashion with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama after Caleb Yirenkyi struck a stoppage-time winner in Toronto on Wednesday night.
Just when the Group L encounter appeared destined to end in a goalless draw, Yirenkyi popped up in the 95th minute to tap home from close range after a well-worked move involving substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Black Stars players, technical team and thousands of Ghanaian supporters.
The dramatic late strike secured all three points for Ghana and provided the perfect start to their quest for a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz named Lawrence Ati Zigi in goal, with Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku and Gideon Mensah forming the defence. Elisha Owusu partnered Yirenkyi in midfield, while Ernest Nuamah, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo and Kamaldeen Sulemana led Ghana’s attack.
The Black Stars made a bright start and dominated possession for large spells of the first half, creating several promising opportunities but struggling to find a way past a disciplined Panama defence.
Panama remained dangerous on the counterattack and tested Ghana’s backline on several occasions, forcing Ati Zigi into a number of crucial saves to keep the scores level.
The first half ended goalless despite both teams creating chances.
After the restart, the contest became increasingly physical as both sides searched for the breakthrough. Panama defender César Blackman received a yellow card in the 72nd minute as tensions rose in an evenly contested encounter.
Sensing the need for fresh attacking impetus, Queiroz introduced Brandon Thomas-Asante late in the game, a tactical move that ultimately proved decisive.
Deep into stoppage time, Thomas-Asante helped create space inside the Panama penalty area before delivering the ball into a dangerous position where Yirenkyi arrived to calmly apply the finishing touch from close range.
The late winner sent the Ghana bench into wild celebrations as the Black Stars held on through the remaining seconds to secure a memorable victory.
The result gives Ghana an important three points in Group L, boosting the Black Stars’ hopes of progressing to the Round of 32.
The victory was also a significant milestone in Ghana’s FIFA World Cup history. It marked only the second time the Black Stars have won their opening match at a World Cup, following their famous 1-0 victory over Serbia in their tournament opener at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, when Asamoah Gyan scored the winning goal from the penalty spot.
Caleb Yirenkyi’s dramatic stoppage-time strike now joins that iconic victory among Ghana’s memorable World Cup moments.
Attention now turns to Ghana’s second Group L fixture against England in Boston, before the Black Stars conclude the group stage against Croatia as they seek to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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