Ghana kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in dramatic fashion as teenage sensation Caleb Yirenkyi struck a stoppage-time winner to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama at BMO Field in Toronto.
The 19-year-old midfielder, the youngest member of Ghana’s World Cup squad, etched his name into Black Stars history with a 95th-minute goal that not only delivered three precious points but also ended the team’s frustrating six-game winless run.
For much of the evening, the torrential rain that drenched Toronto reflected the mood of the Ghanaian camp. Missing influential midfielder Thomas Partey and injured playmaker Mohammed Kudus, the Black Stars struggled to break down a disciplined Panamanian side. They failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.
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Panama, seeking their first-ever World Cup point, looked increasingly confident and nearly stunned Ghana early on when Cecilio Waterman forced goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a sharp save within the opening two minutes.
The encounter was briefly interrupted by a hydration break, drawing loud boos from supporters who had endured the heavy rain throughout the contest.
Ghana suffered another setback when Ati-Zigi, who had been their busiest player, was forced off at halftime following a heavy collision. Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was introduced for his World Cup debut.
Veteran Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz responded by making attacking changes in the second half, introducing Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante in a bid to inject urgency into the Black Stars’ attack.
The substitutions proved decisive.
With six minutes of added time indicated and the match seemingly heading for a goalless draw, Thomas-Asante embarked on a brilliant run down the left flank. The forward skipped past a sliding challenge from Panama defender Jose Cordoba and delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area.
Caleb Yirenkyi, who had come on as a second-half substitute, arrived at the back post and managed to steer the ball into the net. The finish came off his heel and was far from perfect, but it had enough pace to roll into the unguarded goal.
The stadium erupted as Ghana’s players and supporters celebrated wildly in the pouring rain. The goal was Caleb Yirenkyi’s second for the national team and instantly elevated the young midfielder to hero status.
For Panama, it was heartbreaking as they were seconds away from claiming a historic World Cup point. For Ghana, however, it was a moment of redemption and renewed belief.
The Black Stars now head into a daunting clash against England on Tuesday, buoyed by a winning start and the confidence that comes with ending their winless streak on football’s biggest stage.