Ghana vs Panama: Yirenkyi’s Stoppage-Time Strike Gives Ghana 1-0 Win Over Panama in World Cup Opener

Full-back Caleb Yirenkyi scored his first international goal in the 95th minute as Ghana survived a first-half onslaught to defeat Panama in their Group L opener.

Ghana snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their World Cup opener at Toronto Stadium on Wednesday, with full-back Caleb Yirenkyi scoring his first international goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Panama dominated the early proceedings, dictating possession with 63 percent and utilising a fluid passing style under Thomas Christiansen. Ghana’s starting goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi was forced into spectacular saves to keep the game level before picking up an injury that ended his night at halftime.

Uncapped reserve keeper Benjamin Asare came on for his international debut under immense pressure. The 25-year-old immediately steadied the defence by punching clear physical crosses, providing the foundation for Ghana’s second-half resurgence.

The game completely turned around the hour mark when Carlos Queiroz introduced Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Brandon Thomas-Asante. Fatawu’s raw electric pace pinned Panama’s full-backs deep into their own territory, shifting the momentum decisively in Ghana’s favour.

In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Thomas-Asante went on a brilliant solo run down the left flank and fired a pinpoint cross into the six-yard box. Yirenkyi charged in to smash the ball into the back of the net, sending the Ghanaian bench into chaotic celebration where his jersey was completely torn.

Ghana finished with eight shots, three on target, while Panama managed 11 shots, four on target. Ghana completed 294 passes at 84 percent accuracy compared to Panama’s 486 passes at 88 percent.

According to a report by Accra Street Journal, Ghana achieved the vital win despite missing star midfielder Thomas Partey, whose visa request and subsequent legal appeal were officially denied by the Canadian federal court just 24 hours prior to kick-off.

The fixture marked the first-ever senior international match between Ghana and Panama. The result puts Ghana level on three points with England, who defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier on Wednesday, at the top of Group L.

———————————————————————————————————————

Predictable Lineups – Bef0re Kick0ff

• Ghana (4-2-3-1): Ati-Zigi; Lamptey, Salisu, Djiku, Mensah; Partey, Ashimeru; Nuamah, Kudus, Jordan Ayew; Inaki Williams.
• Panama (3-4-3): Mosquera; Miller, Córdoba, Escobar; Murillo, Carrasquilla, Godoy, Davis; Fajardo, Bárcenas, Díaz.

Head-to-Head History

This marks the first-ever senior international match between Ghana and Panama. Taking place at BMO Field in Toronto, the game will be heavily attended by the massive local Ghanaian-Canadian diaspora. Coach Otto Addo’s squad relies on Mohammed Kudus to break open Panama’s physical low defensive block.

Last Updated on June 18, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

accrastreetjournal.com/