World Cup 2026: Ghana stuns Panama with 95th-minute winner

Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opener on Wednesday at the BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.

World Cup debutant Caleb Yirenkyi grabbed the only goal of the match to secure all three points for the Black Stars.

Yirenkyi together with Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, and Ernest Nuamah earned their first ever appearance for Ghana at the World Cup in a mixed youth with experience, led by captain Jordan Ayew.

After a tense first half and decent exchanges, the decisive moment came in the 95th minute. The debutant started the attack from midfield as he located Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo who drove through midfield before Yirenkyi smashed the ball into the net after getting on the end of Brandon Thomas-Asante’s pass.

Substitute Benjamin Asare made a strong save to preserve Ghana’s advantage from Ismael Díaz in the 98th minute, while the defensive quartet of Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku and Gideon Mensah stood firm to secure a clean sheet.

Antoine Semenyo and Ernest Nuamah made several threatening runs on the wings, with captain Ayew leading the line as Ghana controlled the second half to secure the three vital points in Group L.

Brandon Thomas-Asante, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Kwasi Sibo, and Kwabena Adu in the second half came on for Kamal Deen Sulemana, Jordan Ayew, Elisha Owusu and Ernest Nuamah respectively. Their impacts were highly felt upon coming on.

Ghana second in Group L ahead of matches against England and Croatia.

Ghana will play giants England in Boston on Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026.