For more than 90 minutes, Ghana searched for a breakthrough that never seemed likely to come. Then, in the dying moments of stoppage time, World Cup debutant Caleb Yirenkyi arrived with a touch that changed everything, giving the Black Stars a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama and a priceless start to their 2026 World Cup campaign.
The celebrations at Toronto’s BMO Field were as much about relief as joy. Ghana had struggled to find rhythm for large parts of the contest, but football often rewards patience, and Carlos Queiroz’s side found their reward with almost the last kick of the game.
Panama nearly stunned Ghana inside two minutes. Amir Murillo’s dangerous delivery found Cecilio Waterman, whose first-time effort forced Lawrence Ati Zigi into an outstanding save. It was an early warning that the Central Americans had arrived with ambition rather than fear.
The first half lacked quality in the final third. Ghana failed to register a single shot on target and managed only one attempt overall. For a team featuring Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and captain Jordan Ayew, it was a surprisingly blunt display.
Panama looked comfortable and organized. Their defensive shape frustrated Ghana’s attackers, while Cristian Martinez and Jiovany Ramos threatened whenever space opened up.
The second half brought more urgency from the Black Stars. Jonas Adjetey tested Orlando Mosquera with a powerful header, while Jordan Ayew was denied by a crucial last-ditch intervention from Ramos after excellent work by Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Queiroz’s substitutions gradually shifted the momentum. Thomas-Asante, fresh from helping Coventry City earn promotion to the Premier League, injected energy and directness into the attack. Benjamin Asare also played a key role after replacing the injured Ati Zigi, producing an important save to keep the match level.
As the clock ticked beyond 94 minutes, Ghana launched one final attack. Semenyo released Thomas-Asante down the left, and the substitute delivered a precise low cross into the six-yard box. Yirenkyi, making his World Cup debut, arrived at exactly the right moment to turn the ball home and spark wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.
“We battled like warriors,” Queiroz said after the match. “We won the game with our brains. First we had to suffer against a great team. They know how to play.”
The Portuguese coach revealed the victory was part of a deliberate plan. “We knew they would control the game. But step by step, our strategy was to let them come. This is the way to win.”
The goal made history. Scored after 94 minutes, it became Ghana’s latest-ever World Cup goal, surpassing Asamoah Gyan’s famous strike against the United States in 2010.
The result leaves Ghana second in Group L behind England, who defeated Croatia 4-2. Yet the Black Stars know tougher tests lie ahead, beginning with a meeting against England in Boston.
The points are secured, the dream is alive, and thanks to Yirenkyi’s unforgettable debut, Ghana have given themselves a platform to build on.
