Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama in their opening World Cup Group L match in Toronto on Wednesday, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a stoppage-time winner to settle a tight and often scrappy contest.
The decisive moment came in the fifth minute of added time when Yirenkyi bundled the ball home, triggering jubilant scenes among thousands of Ghana supporters in Canada’s largest city. The goal capped a match that had largely struggled to produce clear chances for long periods.
Panama made an early impression when Cecilio Waterma tested Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi inside the opening two minutes, forcing an important save. However, Ghana failed to register a single shot on target during a first half dominated by defensive discipline from both sides.
Rain continued to fall over Toronto Stadium after the break, but the tempo improved slightly as both teams pushed forward more often. Panama’s Cristian Martinez came closest for his side in the 60th minute, firing into the side-netting to the frustration of his team’s vocal supporters among the 43,000-strong crowd.
The match appeared destined for a goalless draw until Yirenkyi struck late to give Ghana all three points. Coach Carlos Queiroz reacted immediately on the touchline, turning to acknowledge and rally Ghana fans in celebration. The experienced Portuguese manager, who took charge only months before the tournament, is now one of only two coaches to appear in five consecutive World Cups, having previously led Portugal and Iran across multiple editions.
The game was played amid intermittent boos during a second-half hydration break, reflecting tense moments under heavy rain conditions.
Ghana were also without key midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied a World Cup visa by Canadian authorities due to ongoing legal proceedings in Britain.
