Caleb Yirenkyi delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring a 95th-minute winner to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama in their Group L opener in Toronto.
The 20-year-old's close-range finish capped a hard-fought contest in which Panama had matched Carlos Queiroz's side for long stretches. The Central American nation had been seeking their first World Cup point at the fourth attempt, and for most of the night they looked capable of achieving it.
A cautious first half
Ghana offered almost nothing in attack during the opening 45 minutes, failing to register a single shot as Panama controlled the tempo and largely kept Antoine Semenyo quiet. Panama themselves came close early on when Waterman forced a save in the 2nd minute.
The second half brought more urgency after substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante entered the fray in the 58th minute for Ghana. Panama responded with a Martinez effort in the 60th minute that crept into the side-netting, while Ghana's Andre Ayew was denied what appeared a certain goal by a remarkable last-ditch tackle from Ramos in the 65th minute.
Yirenkyi strikes in stoppage time
With the game seemingly heading for a stalemate, Thomas-Asante — on loan at Coventry City — found space down the left flank in the fifth minute of stoppage time and delivered a low cross that Yirenkyi converted from close range to send the Ghana end into raptures.
Panama refused to surrender and goalkeeper Mosquera even pushed forward in the 90+9' to contest a header as they chased an equaliser, but Ghana held on for a precious three points.
