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Sport Nation
Ghana get going with dramatic late winner over Panama
Press Association •  June 18th, 2026 2:00 pm
Late drama in Canada has seen Ghana kick off their World Cup campaign with a winning start | Photo: AP
A late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi has earned Ghana a 1-0 win over Panama and joint leadership of Group L along with England.
Yirenki steered in Brandon Thomas-Asante's cross in added time to settle a match of few clear chances on Wednesday (Thursday NZ time).
Ghana played without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry into Canada while he awaits trial on rape charges in England, while the late goal denied Panama their first World Cup point.
Caleb Yirenkyi taps home to the relief of Ghana fans in Toronto and around the world | Photo: AP
Cecilio Waterman forced a good save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the second minute as he latched on to a cross from the right, but it was a rare opening in a cagey first half in the Toronto rain.
Panama had the best of the opening period, Cristian Martinez having a penalty appeal waved away as he tried to latch on to a ball over the top and Jiovany Ramos firing high and wide after Ati-Zigi had acrobatically punched into his path.
Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo moved more centrally as the half wore on, finally making a major impact just before halftime with a through ball which ended with Ghana's first effort on goal – Marvin Senaya endangering the corner flag more than the back of the net.
Ghana players, staff and fans celebrate getting out of jail in Toronto | Photo: AP
Ati-Zigi, who received treatment late in the first half, was replaced at the interval by Benjamin Asare and Ghana finally carved an attempt of note, Jonas Adjetey heading straight at Orlando Mosquera.
Martinez was unable to steer the ball inside the post at the other end, but Ghana were much brighter after the break with only a last-ditch touch from Ramos preventing Leicester City's Jordan Ayew from sliding home.
Ramos curled wide from the edge of the box moments later as the game opened up, an offside flag and Mosquera denying Thomas-Asante a late winner before he was released again moments later to deliver the cross for Yirenki.
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- AP
