Yirenkyi Stoppage-Time Winner Gives Ghana Late Victory over Panama
Ghana defeated Panama 1–0 at Toronto Stadium in their Group L opener. Substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare made three important saves after replacing the injured Lawrence Ati-Zigi at half-time, and Panama looked set for their first World Cup point until Brandon Thomas-Asante broke down the left in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Thomas-Asante's low cross found Caleb Yirenkyi for a simple tap-in — the 22-year-old's first international goal and Ghana's latest-ever World Cup strike in regulation time. Antoine Semenyo was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match as Ghana finished with 38% possession, seven shots and two on target in front of 42,942 fans.
Ghana join England on three points at the top of Group L, with Croatia on zero after their 4–2 defeat to the Three Lions. Carlos Queiroz's side face England in Boston on 23 June, while Panama meet Croatia in Toronto on the same evening.
Sources
- https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/ghana-panama-highlights-match-report
- https://www.fifa.com/en/match-centre/match/17/285023/289273/400021510
- https://www.fotmob.com/matches/ghana-vs-panama/1bjek0
- https://www.foxsports.com/watch/fmc-ix7amd4wqvfr7uy5
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_Group_L