Caleb Yirenkyi scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner as Ghana edged Panama 1-0 in Toronto, Canada, denying the Central Americans their first-ever FIFA World Cup point.
With six minutes of added time played and the match seemingly headed for a draw, Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank, beat his marker and squared the ball for Yirenkyi, who tapped home from close range to seal victory for the Black Stars.
The result was particularly harsh on Panama, who matched the four-time African champions throughout the contest in only their fourth World Cup appearance since making their tournament debut in 2018.
Panama nearly took the lead inside the opening two minutes when Cecilio Waterman’s effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
The Central Americans continued to threaten after the break and came close again when Cristian Martínez fired into the side-netting from just a few yards out. In the closing stages, goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera joined the attack for a late set-piece and headed the ball to Ismael Díaz, whose effort was comfortably gathered by substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Ghana were forced into a change at half-time after Zigi suffered an injury following an awkward landing during the first half, with head coach Carlos Queiroz bringing on Asare in his place.
The Black Stars created few clear-cut opportunities but made the most of their decisive late attack, scoring the latest winning goal of the tournament so far. However, Queiroz’s side may need to improve significantly if they are to secure a positive result against Group L leaders England in Boston on Tuesday.
Panama, meanwhile, will look to end their losing World Cup record when they face Croatia in Toronto on Wednesday. Ghana were without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unable to travel to Canada after being denied entry due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
