Ghana, after the win, will now focus on their next game against Group L leaders England, while Panama will face Croatia.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ghana picked up all three points in their 2026 World Cup opener after edging Panama 1-0 at the Toronto Stadium with a 95th-minute strike.
The West Africans were without key midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry to Canada because of ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK.
Panama almost took the lead inside the first two minutes, but Cecilio Waterman’s strike was tipped over the bar by Ghana keeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
In the second half, Panama’s Cristian Martinez hammered a shot against the side-netting when only a few yards from goal.
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In the closing stages, goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, up for a late set-piece, headed the ball to team-mate Ismael Diaz, who nodded straight to Benjamin Asare, Ghana’s second-choice keeper.
Both teams, despite their best efforts, were unable to break down each other’s defence, and the encounter seemed destined for a stalemate.
However, with six minutes added on at the end of a match of few chances, Brandon Thomas-Asante raced down the left, beat his marker, and squared the ball for Caleb Yirenkyi, who tapped in.
The result was harsh on Panama, who had matched the four-time African champions in only their fourth World Cup appearance since their debut in 2018.
Ghana, after the win, will now focus on their next game against Group L leaders England, while Panama will hope to end their losing World Cup record when they face Croatia.
