Ghana kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in dramatic fashion, scoring deep into stoppage time to edge Panama 1-0 in their Group L opener at AT&T Stadium, Dallas
The African representatives endured long spells without possession but showed resilience before Caleb Yirenkyi emerged as the hero, netting a dramatic 90+5th-minute winner to hand the Black Stars a dream start to their tournament.
Panama, who arrived in the tournament carrying strong momentum from the CONCACAF region, controlled much of the match but were left heartbroken after failing to convert their dominance into goals.
Panama nearly stunned Ghana inside the opening two minutes when Amir Murillo delivered an inviting cross for Cecilio Waterman, whose first-time effort was brilliantly denied by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
The Central Americans continued to dictate possession, enjoying 64 percent of the ball during the opening 45 minutes while Ghana struggled to establish any attacking rhythm.
Panama also appealed for a penalty in the 34th minute after Cristian Martínez went down inside the penalty area under pressure from a Ghana defender, but the referee waved away the protests.
Despite Panama’s territorial advantage, neither side could find a breakthrough before halftime.
Ghana head coach reacted immediately after the interval, introducing Benjamin Asare in goal after Ati-Zigi was unable to continue, while attackers Brandon Thomas-Asante and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku were also brought on to inject greater attacking urgency.
The substitutions gradually shifted the momentum. Ghana came agonisingly close in the 73rd minute when Jonas Adjetey rose highest to meet a free-kick delivery, but his close-range header drifted narrowly wide with the goal at his mercy.
Panama looked destined to snatch victory five minutes from time through a lightning counterattack.
Ismael Díaz unleashed a fierce volley from the edge of the box, only for substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to produce an outstanding save, diving sharply to preserve Ghana’s clean sheet.
That stop proved to be the turning point. Just as the contest appeared destined to end in a goalless draw, Ghana produced one final attack in the fifth minute of added time.
Caleb Yirenkyi broke into the penalty area, kept his composure, and fired a clinical finish beyond the Panama goalkeeper to spark wild celebrations among the Ghanaian supporters.
The dramatic strike sealed a 1-0 victory, giving the Black Stars maximum points and valuable momentum in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
The victory moves Ghana level on three points with England, who defeated Croatia 4-2 in the other Group L fixture.
Attention now turns to a blockbuster clash against England on 23 June, where Ghana will aim to build on their winning start and take another major step toward the knockout rounds.
Panama, meanwhile, will seek to bounce back against Croatia on the same day, knowing a positive result is essential to keep their FIFA World Cup hopes alive.
Credit Photo : Ghana FA
