Caleb Yirenkyi the hero as Ghana snatch last-gasp victory over Panama to end winless run
In a match that seemed destined for a goalless stalemate, Ghana's youngest player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Caleb Yirenkyi, etched his name into Black Stars folklore with a dramatic 95th-minute winner that secured a 1-0 victory over Panama at BMO Field and ended a six-game winless streak.
For 94 minutes, the torrential rain that soaked Toronto mirrored the frustration on the faces of Ghanaian players and fans alike.
The Black Stars, missing the influential Thomas Partey and the injured Mohammed Kudus, laboured to break down a resolute Panamanian defence, failing to muster a single shot on target in the entire first half.
Panama, chasing their first-ever World Cup point, grew in confidence and came closest to breaking the deadlock when Cecilio Waterman forced a sharp save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi inside the opening two minutes.
The match was punctuated by a hydration break that drew loud boos from the rain-drenched supporters, adding to the surreal atmosphere.
Ati-Zigi, who had been Ghana's busiest player, was forced off at half-time after a heavy collision, with Benjamin Asare of Hearts of Oak stepping in for his World Cup debut.
Carlos Queiroz, the veteran Portuguese coach managing at his fifth World Cup, made positive attacking substitutions in the second half, introducing Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
The introductions injected much-needed urgency. As the clock ticked into six minutes of added time, Ghana's perseverance finally paid off.
In a moment of pure drama, Thomas-Asante, who helped Coventry City return to the Premier League, embarked on a mazy run down the left flank.
He evaded a sliding challenge from Norwich's Jose Cordoba and delivered a cross that was begging to be converted. Yirenkyi, who was booked early in the first half, was perfectly positioned at the back post. The contact was not the cleanest, the ball deflecting off his heel, but it had enough to trickle into the unguarded net, sending the Ghanaian contingent into ecstasy.
The stadium erupted as the players mobbed the 20-year-old midfielder, who scored his second goal for the national team. For Panama, it was heartbreak; they were seconds away from a historic point.
For Ghana, it was vindication. The victory ends a six-game winless run and breathes life into their campaign ahead of a daunting clash with England on Tuesday. The players know the task ahead is monumental, but as they celebrated in the rain, they had secured the most precious commodity in football: a winning start.
The result propelled the Black Stars to second place in Group L behind England, who had defeated Croatia 4-2 in the group's other fixture.
