Caleb Yirenkyi struck deep in stoppage time to deliver Ghana a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama at Toronto Stadium, lifting the Black Stars to second place in Group L at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Panama pushes hard but Ghana hold firm

Panama were the more dangerous side in the opening exchanges. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare kept his side level with a superb diving save to deny Cecilio Waterman, and Ghana were fortunate moments later when Jiovany Ramos, presented with a free header after Asare's punch fell poorly, sent his effort sailing over the crossbar.

The Central Americans continued to threaten after the break. Cristian Martínez pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area early in the second half, but his shot rolled into the side netting rather than the back of the net.

Ghana's late breakthrough

Ghana almost seized the lead around the hour mark when substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante broke down the right and pulled the ball back for Jordan Ayew, only for Ramos to recover and produce a vital last-ditch challenge to keep the scores level.

With a draw looking increasingly likely, Thomas-Asante proved decisive once more. The substitute drove into the area from the left and squared the ball to Yirenkyi, who tapped in from close range to score his first goal in international football — sending Ghana into a frenzy in the dying seconds.

What's next for the Black Stars

Ghana sit second in Group L and will face England in their next Group L fixture at Boston Stadium next Tuesday.