Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner in their first Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Just when the game appeared destined to end goalless, Yirenkyi struck in the 95th minute to hand the Black Stars a priceless three points and move them into second place in the group behind England.
The winning goal came after excellent work from Brandon Thomas-Asante down the left flank. The Coventry City forward skipped past a challenge from Panama defender Jose Cordoba before delivering a low cross into the box. Yirenkyi arrived at the far post to turn the ball into the empty net, sparking wild celebrations among Ghana’s players and supporters.
The match had been a tense and closely fought contest with few clear chances. Panama looked set to earn the first World Cup point in their history and even pushed their goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera forward for a late corner in search of a winner.
However, Ghana held firm before producing the decisive moment deep into added time.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz praised his players after the match, saying his side executed their game plan perfectly.
“First we had to suffer, we battled like warriors. We won the game with the brains,” Queiroz said.
“We knew they would control parts of the game. Our strategy was to remain patient and take our chance when it came.”
Former Nigeria striker Efan Ekoku described the goal as one of the most important moments in recent Ghanaian football history, saying Panama would be devastated to see a valuable point slip away so late in the game.
The victory gives Ghana a huge boost in Group L and sets up a mouth-watering clash against group leaders England on Tuesday. The winner of that encounter will secure a place in the Round of 32 with one group game still to play.
Panama, meanwhile, remain without a point in World Cup history after losing all four of their matches at the tournament. They will now face Croatia in a must-win game to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Ghana’s dramatic victory means the race for qualification remains wide open, with the Black Stars now dreaming of a place in the knockout stages.
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