Ghanaian substitute Caleb Yirenkyi scored a dramatic winner five minutes into stoppage time to deny Panama their first-ever World Cup point in a tense Group L clash in Toronto. With only seconds remaining of the six added minutes, Brandon Thomas-Asante broke down the left flank, beat his defender, and delivered a precise low cross for Yirenkyi to tap home from close range. The late goal secured a vital victory for Carlos Queiroz’s side ahead of their upcoming clash against group leaders England in Boston.
The result proved incredibly harsh on the Central American underdogs, who matched the four-time African champions for the vast majority of the encounter. Panama created the better openings, almost taking a shock lead inside two minutes when striker Cecilio Waterman saw his powerful strike tipped over the crossbar by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. Cristian Martinez also squandered a golden opportunity for Panama in the second half, blasting an effort into the side-netting from just a few yards out.
Ghana faced significant disruption during the match after starting goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi suffered an injury following an awkward landing in the first half. Head coach Carlos Queiroz introduced second-choice goalkeeper Benjamin Asare at the interval, who stood firm under late pressure. In a frantic finale, Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera ventured forward for a late set-piece and headed the ball to teammate Ismael Diaz, who could only nod the ball directly into the grateful arms of Asare.
The African nation contested the tournament without key midfielder Thomas Partey, who stood barred from entering Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Despite creating very few clear-cut opportunities before their late winner, the Ghanaians held on to secure the points. Panama will now look to bounce back and end their losing World Cup record when they face Croatia on Wednesday, while Ghana must improve ahead of Tuesday's showdown with England.
-BBC
