Ghana national football team left it until the dying moments to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama national football team, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a stoppage-time winner to deny Panama a historic first-ever World Cup point.
The match in Toronto appeared destined to end goalless until the fifth minute of added time when Brandon Thomas-Asante burst down the left flank, beat his defender and delivered a precise pass across goal for Yirenkyi to tap home from close range.
The late strike handed Ghana all three points and extended Panama’s wait for their first point at a FIFA World Cup, despite a spirited performance that matched the four-time African champions for much of the contest.
Panama nearly made the perfect start when Cecilio Waterman’s powerful effort inside the opening two minutes forced Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi into an excellent save, tipping the ball over the crossbar.
The Central American side continued to threaten after the break and came close again through Cristian Martinez, whose fierce strike crashed into the side-netting from close range.
As the clock ticked down, Panama pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera even joined the attack for a late set-piece and headed the ball into a dangerous area, but Ismael Diaz’s follow-up header was comfortably gathered by Ghana substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Ghana were forced into a goalkeeping change at half-time after Ati Zigi suffered an injury following an awkward landing during the first half. Head coach Carlos Queiroz introduced Asare, who helped keep Panama at bay.
Despite securing victory, Ghana struggled to create clear-cut opportunities throughout the match and may need to improve significantly ahead of their next Group L clash against England national football team in Boston on Tuesday.
Panama, meanwhile, will attempt to end their winless World Cup record when they take on Croatia national football team in Toronto on Wednesday.
Ghana were also without experienced midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unable to travel after being denied entry into Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Yirenkyi’s dramatic late winner currently stands as the latest match-winning goal scored at this year’s World Cup, giving Ghana a crucial boost in their bid to reach the knockout stages.
