Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
In what was a tense affair at the Toronto Stadium this week, Ghana scored late in their opening
2026 World Cup fixture as they recorded a 1-0 win over Panama in Group L on Thursday.
Panama were first out of the blocks, as Amir Murillo's low cross found Cecilio Waterman in the area who fired a shot at Ati Zigi that was expertly saved.
Also, the Central American side came close to scoring when Zigi failed to avert danger via a punch, leaving the ball in the path of Jiovany Ramos, who blazed his shot over the bar.
While both sides battled to create scoring chances for much of the first-half, Ghana suffered their first blow after Benjamin Asare replaced Zigi between the sticks at the break.
The game opened up after the hour-mark as shots in both areas started to increase the chances created statistics.
Ghana knocked on Panama’s door again in the 65th minute after Thomas-Asante opened the Panama backline with a pass toward Jordan Ayew along the six-yard box before being addressed by Ramos through a vital tackle.
While a draw seemed likely, Thomas-Asante powered his way down the left-hand side of the pitch during stoppage time before finding Yirenkyi, who tapped in to score his first international goal.
Ghana: (0) 1 (Yirenkyi 90+5’)
Panama: 0
Ghana: Zigi (Asare 46’), Mensah, Opoku, Adjetey, Senaya, Semenyo, Owusu (Sibo 78’), Yirenkyi, Nuamah (Issahaku 58’), Sulemana (Thomas-Asante 58’), J.Ayew (Adu 87’)
Panama: Mosquera, Ramos, Cordoba, Andrade, Murillo, Harvey, Barcenas, Blackman (Godoy 90’), Martinez (Londono 63’), Waterman (Fajardo 63’), Rodriguez (Diaz 74’)
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