Ghana beat Panama 1-0 with stoppage-time winner in Toronto

Ghana opened their Group L campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama on Wednesday in rainy Toronto, scoring in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to settle a match short on clear chances. Caleb Yirenkyi finished the decisive move to secure Ghana’s first three points in a group that also includes England and Croatia.

The breakthrough came from a swift transition out of Ghana’s half. Brandon Thomas-Asante drove down the left and rolled a pass into the box, where Yirenkyi redirected the ball into the net, leaving Panama no time to respond before the final whistle.

Panama started the game with more momentum in a scoreless first half, while Ghana grew into the match after the break. Despite a rise in tempo in the second half, openings remained limited until the late winner.

Ghana were forced into a change at half-time when goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi went off injured. Benjamin Asare replaced him for the second half.

Panama’s early pressure produced a second-minute chance, but Ati Zigi dived to his right to keep out a 15-yard volley by Cecilio Waterman. Panama had another opening late in the first half, but Jiovany Ramos sliced a right-footed effort from 14 yards wide.

Second-half shift and late confrontation

The second half contrasted with the quiet opening period, with both teams increasing intensity even as chances were at a premium. Ghana’s first attempt on target came soon after the restart, when Jonas Adjetey’s header was saved by Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera in the 48th minute.

After Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner, a confrontation broke out before the referee brought the match to a close, officials said. The result stood, and Ghana took the full three points from their opener.

Group L standings picture and what comes next

The match was viewed as an important meeting between two teams expected to compete for third place in the section, with England and Croatia considered the group favourites. Earlier on Wednesday, England beat Croatia 4-2.

Ghana played without midfielder Thomas Partey after he was denied a visa to enter Canada due to pending sexual-assault charges against him in England, which he has denied. Partey is expected to be available for Ghana’s other two group matches, both scheduled to be played in the United States.

Ghana are appearing at the World Cup for the fifth time in the past six editions, with their best finish a quarterfinal run in 2010. Panama are at the tournament for the second time, having lost all three group-stage matches on their previous appearance in 2018.

Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Ghana set to face England in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Panama scheduled to play Croatia in Toronto.