Ghana Snatches Dramatic 1-0 Win Over Panama with Stoppage-Time Strike

In a tense Group L encounter at Toronto Stadium, Ghana secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama thanks to a 95th-minute goal from substitute Caleb Yirenkyi. The match, which saw few clear chances, was decided in stoppage time when Brandon Thomas-Asante delivered a cross from the right that Yirenkyi tapped in from close range, sparking wild celebrations among Ghanaian supporters.

Panama dominated possession with 55% and created the better opportunities in the first half. Cecilio Waterman forced an early save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Cristian Martínez had a penalty appeal waved away. Despite their pressure, Panama failed to convert their chances, with Jiovany Ramos firing high and wide from the edge of the box.

Ghana struggled to create attacking threats in the opening period, managing only one shot in the first 45 minutes. The African side was dealt a blow when Ati-Zigi was replaced at halftime by Benjamin Asare after receiving treatment for heavy collisions. Ghana improved after the break, with Jonas Adjetey heading straight at goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera and Jordan Ayew being denied by a last-ditch tackle from Ramos.

Yirenkyi's goal at 94 minutes and 4 seconds is Ghana's latest ever scored at a World Cup, surpassing Asamoah Gyan's strike against the United States in 2010. The victory marked Ghana's first competitive win under manager Carlos Queiroz, who was appointed just two months before the tournament. The team was also missing three key players, including midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry to Canada due to an ongoing legal case in Britain.

Panama's head coach, Thomas Christiansen, described the defeat as "painful," stating, "We deserved better. We have lessons to learn. At the World Cup, mistakes are expensive." He added, "Now is not the time for regrets. We will not be timid against Croatia. We want to show that Panama is difficult to beat and we will fight until the last breath."

The result leaves Ghana second in Group L, level on three points with England, who beat Croatia 4-2 earlier. Ghana faces group leader England on June 23 in Boston, while Panama takes on Croatia in Toronto.