Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

By Shawn De Guzman

Ghana kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a winning note, with Caleb Yirenkyi delivering a dramatic stoppage-time strike to seal a 1-0 victory over Panama at Toronto Stadium on Thursday.

The Black Stars weathered long stretches of Panama's possession and looked destined to settle for a frustrating draw before producing the decisive breakthrough in the 95th minute.

In a match that lacked quality and clear-cut chances, Brandon Thomas-Asante provided the spark Ghana needed. 

The Coventry City forward burst down the left flank, skipped past a sliding challenge from Panama defender Jose Cordoba, and whipped a dangerous low cross into the six-yard box.

Yirenkyi timed his run to perfection, arriving unmarked to calmly slot the ball into an empty net from close range and ignite wild celebrations among the Ghanaian players. 

The late winner handed Ghana all three points to open its Group L campaign in dramatic fashion despite Panama controlling much of the possession throughout the contest.