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Ghana Snatch Late Victory Over Panama in World Cup Group L Opener

Posted : 18 June 2026

Ghana began their World Cup Group L campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, thanks to a last-gasp goal from Caleb Yirenkyi. The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of added time, sparking jubilant celebrations among the large Ghanaian crowd in Canada's biggest city.

The match was tightly contested, with clear scoring opportunities limited for much of the encounter. Panama threatened early when Cecilio Waterman tested Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi in the second minute, but the shot was comfortably dealt with. Ghana struggled to create openings in the opening half and failed to register an attempt on target before the break.

Rain-soaked conditions dominated the second half, although both teams showed greater attacking intent after the restart. Panama came close to breaking the deadlock in the 60th minute when Cristian Martinez fired into the side netting, drawing loud cheers from the Panamanian supporters in attendance.

As the game appeared destined to end goalless, Yirenkyi capitalized on a late opportunity deep into stoppage time to secure all three points for the Black Stars. Following the goal, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz turned toward the supporters, encouraging the celebrations after his side's dramatic breakthrough.

Queiroz, who was appointed only a few months before the tournament, reached a significant milestone with the match. The Portuguese tactician became just the second coach in history to participate in five consecutive World Cups, having previously guided Portugal in 2010 and Iran in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions.

The contest also featured a tense atmosphere during a second-half hydration break, with loud boos echoing around the nearly 43,000-capacity crowd amid heavy rainfall. Ghana secured the victory despite the absence of midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unable to travel after Canadian authorities denied him a World Cup visa while legal proceedings continue in the United Kingdom.

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