Ghana Vs Panama, FIFA World Cup 2026: Caleb Yirenkyi’s Last-Gasp Strike Hands Black Stars Dramatic Victory
Ghana Vs Panama, FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Gallery: Ghana opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in Group L, courtesy of Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner. The Black Stars enjoyed the better of the contest and gradually increased the pressure after a cagey first half, but Panama’s disciplined defensive display looked set to earn Los Canaleros a historic first World Cup point. Ghana continued to push forward in the closing stages and finally found the breakthrough in the 95th minute. Brandon Thomas-Asante produced a brilliant run down the left wing before delivering a low cross that Yirenkyi converted from close range. The late goal sparked wild celebrations among Ghana’s players and supporters, while Panama were left heartbroken after seeing a valuable point slip away in the final moments.
Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi (1) makes a save against Panama during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto AP Photo
Ghana's Brandon Thomas-Asante, right, and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi lay on the ground during the World Cup Group L soccer match against Panama in Toronto AP Photo
Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, second from left, punches the ball clear of Panama's Carlos Harvey (14) during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto AP Photo
Panama players rest during a hydration break during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto AP Photo
Panama's Jose Fajardo, left, and Ghana's Jerome Opoku fight for the ball during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Ghana's Jonas Adjetey, right, heads the ball during the World Cup Group L soccer match against Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi (3) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Ghana's players celebrate the opening goal of their teammate Caleb Yirenkyi during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Panama's Andres Andrade (16) reacts following the team's loss in the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)
Fans celebrate after Ghana scored as they watch the World Cup Group L soccer match between Ghana and Panama on a screen at FIFA Fan Fest in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press via AP)
Ghana's Caleb Yirenkyi, top right, celebrates with fans after defeating Panama during the World Cup Group L soccer match in Toronto, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP)
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