Ghana snatched one of the most dramatic victories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, with 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a stoppage-time winner to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto.
Just when it looked like the Group L clash was heading for a goalless draw, Yirenkyi stepped up in the 95th minute to break Panama’s resistance and hand Carlos Queiroz’s men a crucial three points.
It was a tense and cagey encounter for long stretches, with Panama matching Ghana’s intensity and frustrating their attacking threats throughout the game. Ghana struggled to create openings, and remarkably failed to register a single shot in the first half.
Panama looked sharp early on and nearly stunned the Black Stars inside two minutes when Waterman forced an important save, setting the tone for a disciplined performance from the Central American side.
Ghana’s danger man, Antoine Semenyo, found little room to operate as Panama’s defense kept him under control, while Carlos Queiroz’s side lacked creativity for much of the contest.
The game shifted after Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante came off the bench in the 58th minute. His introduction brought fresh energy and urgency to Ghana’s attack, and it proved decisive.
Panama had their own chances to grab the lead, with Martinez firing into the side-netting from close range on the hour mark, before Andre Ayew was denied at the other end by a superb last-ditch tackle from Ramos after being set up by Semenyo.
With time running out, Ghana finally found the breakthrough. Thomas-Asante made a powerful run down the left wing and delivered a low cross into the box, where Yirenkyi reacted quickest to force the ball home and send the Ghana fans into wild celebrations.
The late blow was heartbreaking for Panama, whose hopes of progressing now look slim with difficult fixtures against England and Croatia still to come.
For Ghana, the result keeps their World Cup campaign alive, even if the performance left room for improvement.
After the match, Queiroz praised his team’s resilience.
“We battled like warriors,” he said. “We won the game with our brains. First we had to suffer against a great team. They know how to play. We knew they would control the game. But step by step, our strategy was to let them come. This is the way to win.”
It may not have been Ghana’s best display, but Yirenkyi’s dramatic late strike is a moment they will remember for a long time.
