Ghana's World Cup match against Panama was tense and chaotic, ending with a late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The striker finished from close range after a quick counterattack, securing a 1-0 win for Ghana in the Group L opener on Wednesday.
The goal came after Brandon Thomas-Asante burst down the left flank into the box and crossed for Yirenkyi to tap into an empty net. A brief scuffle broke out immediately after, before the referee blew the final whistle.
The first half was largely dull, with Panama the better side and creating more chances. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi made a save in the second minute from a Cecilio Waterman volley. Panama nearly opened the scoring in the 38th minute, but Jiovany Ramos's shot went wide of the post.
In the second half, Ghana became noticeably more proactive. They registered their first shot on goal in the 48th minute through Jonas Adjetey, which was saved by goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. The half featured fierce battles, but scoring opportunities remained rare until stoppage time.
Notably, Ghana missed midfielder Thomas Partey due to his failure to obtain a Canadian visa, linked to pending sexual assault allegations in England. Partey denies the charges and is expected to be available for the remaining two group-stage matches on U.S. soil.
This marks Ghana's fifth World Cup appearance in the last six tournaments, with their best result being a quarterfinal finish in 2010. Panama is making only its second appearance, having lost all three group matches in 2018.
In the same Group L, England earlier defeated Croatia 4-2. According to pre-tournament FIFA rankings, England is fourth, Croatia 11th, Panama 34th, and Ghana 73rd. Both teams return to action next Tuesday, with Ghana facing England in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Panama taking on Croatia in Toronto.
