Ghana kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic late victory over Panama, scoring in the dying moments to secure all three points in their Group L opener at Toronto Stadium.
The Black Stars were second best for large periods of the contest but showed resilience and character before snatching victory through Yirenkyi after a devastating counter-attack in stoppage time.
Panama started brightly and nearly took the lead less than three minutes after kick-off. A dangerous cross from Michael Murillo found Cecilio Waterman inside the box, and the forward’s powerful volley forced Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi into producing a remarkable save to keep the scores level.
That early opportunity set the tone for much of the first half as Panama dominated possession and controlled proceedings.
The Central Americans moved the ball confidently and repeatedly pushed Ghana onto the back foot.
Ghana struggled to establish any rhythm and failed to register a single attempt on goal before the interval.
Panama looked the more dangerous side, although they were unable to find a way past Ati-Zigi and the Ghana defence.
The Black Stars emerged from the break with renewed energy and gradually began to ask questions of the Panama backline.
The introduction of Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Brandon Thomas-Asante proved to be a turning point as both players injected pace, creativity and urgency into Ghana’s attack.
Their influence immediately unsettled the Panama defence, forcing the Central Americans to spend more time defending than they had in the opening 45 minutes.
Ghana came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when defender Jerome Opoku Adjetey rose highest from a corner kick, only to see his header flash narrowly wide of the post.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Ghana delivered the decisive blow in the closing moments.
A swift counter-attack caught Panama exposed, with Thomas-Asante embarking on an excellent run through midfield before delivering a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Yirenkyi.
The forward kept his composure and calmly slotted the ball home to spark wild celebrations among the Ghana players and supporters.
It was a hard-fought victory for the Black Stars, who overcame a difficult first-half display to begin their World Cup journey with a crucial win and a valuable three points.
