Caleb Yirenkyi wrote his name into Ghana football history with a composed finish deep in stoppage time, snatching a 1-0 victory over Panama in the Black Stars' opening Group L fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto.

With the clock showing 95 minutes and a goalless draw seeming inevitable, Brandon Thomas-Asante drove into the penalty area and cut back a precise pass for Yirenkyi. The midfielder kept his nerve and guided the ball into the net, triggering scenes of pure jubilation among the Ghana players, coaching staff, and supporters inside Toronto Stadium.

Panama pushed the Black Stars close

Panama were far from passive opponents. They created the match's first genuine chance when Amir Murillo's low cross found Cecilio Waterman unmarked, only for goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to produce a fine diving save. Shortly afterwards, Jiovany Ramos wasted a golden opportunity, sending a loose-ball effort over the crossbar after a poor punch from Asare had dropped at his feet.

For long stretches, Panama dominated possession and limited Ghana to sporadic counter-attacks, making it a difficult evening for Carlos Queiroz's side in the final third.

Asare steps up after Ati-Zigi injury

A significant setback arrived at half-time when starting goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was forced off through injury. His replacement, Benjamin Asare of Hearts of Oak, stepped up and delivered a assured performance — becoming the first goalkeeper active in the Ghana Premier League to represent the Black Stars at a FIFA World Cup.

The second half followed a similar pattern of tight defending and few clear openings. Cristian Martinez came closest for Panama, finding space inside the area only to fire into the side netting. Queiroz responded by introducing fresh legs around the hour mark, and the substitutes lifted Ghana's attacking intensity immediately.

Thomas-Asante was among those changes and almost created an opening goal when he squared across the box for Jordan Ayew, only for Ramos to recover brilliantly and make a goal-saving challenge. Both sides seemed increasingly content to share the spoils as the final whistle approached — until Yirenkyi had other ideas.

Ghana's campaign is firmly alive

The three points leave Ghana level with England, who beat Croatia 4-2 earlier in Group L, heading into what now promises to be a decisive second fixture between the two sides. Panama and Croatia are left without a point after the opening round.

Beyond the result, Ghana will take encouragement from their defensive resilience, the impact of their substitutes, and the growing composure they showed under Queiroz's management. The Black Stars left it late — but their World Cup campaign has started in the best possible way.