Yirenkyi's late goal leads Ghana to win over Panama

Caleb Yirenkyi's 95th-minute goal earned Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup Group L match at Toronto Stadium on Wednesday.

Marvin Senaya (L) of Ghana vies with Cecilio Waterman of Panama during the group L match between Ghana and Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Canada, on June 17, 2026. (Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua)

Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante provided the assist for the winner, which came despite Panama enjoying 55 percent possession.

Ghana entered the game without three key players, including midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry to Canada because of an ongoing case in Britain.

The African side was further depleted when starting goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi was forced to leave the game at halftime following heavy collisions in the first half. Substitute Benjamin Asare came on and kept a clean sheet.

Yirenkyi, who had been shown a yellow card in the 16th minute, became an unlikely hero in stoppage time.

It marked Ghana's first competitive victory under manager Carlos Queiroz, who was appointed just two months before the tournament.

Ghana, which sits second in the group, will face group leader England on June 23 in Boston, while Panama will take on Croatia in Toronto.