Ghana vs Panama: Caleb Yirenkyi Strikes in Stoppage Time as Ghana Edge Panama

The Black Stars of Ghana kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama, thanks to a last-gasp winner from Caleb Yirenkyi in the 90+4th minute.

With the match seemingly heading for a goalless draw, Yirenkyi emerged as Ghana’s hero, finding the breakthrough deep into stoppage time to secure all three points for Carlos Queiroz’s side. The midfielder has now continued his impressive form after also scoring in Ghana’s pre-World Cup friendly against Wales earlier this month.

The victory gives Ghana a perfect start in Group L, where they are competing alongside England, Croatia and Panama. Ghana’s starting lineup featured captain Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Ernest Nuamah and Yirenkyi in midfield.

Full Time: Ghana 1-0 Panama

 90+4′ – Caleb Yirenkyi

A priceless goal, a winning start, and a memorable World Cup moment for Ghana.

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analysis before Kickoff…….

The Black Stars of Ghana will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a historic Group L encounter against Panama on Wednesday night at Toronto’s BMO Stadium.

The match, scheduled for 23:00 GMT, marks the first-ever senior international meeting between the two nations and could set the tone for their respective World Cup ambitions.

For Ghana, this tournament represents another chapter in a proud World Cup history. The Black Stars are making their fifth appearance in the last six editions of football’s biggest tournament, having previously reached the Round of 16 in 2006 and famously advanced to the quarter-finals in 2010 before suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Uruguay.

However, Carlos Queiroz’s side enters the competition facing several challenges. The most notable absentee is star midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who was left out of the squad due to fitness concerns following a quadriceps injury suffered earlier this year.

Ghana will also be without experienced midfielder Thomas Partey after he was denied entry into Canada, while in-form CF Montréal striker Prince Owusu was surprisingly omitted despite recording nine goals and five assists in just 14 Major League Soccer appearances this season.

Despite the setbacks, Queiroz is expected to field a competitive side led by captain Andre Ayew, with Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Kamaldeen Sulemana providing attacking threat from the wings.

Panama, meanwhile, arrive in Canada with confidence and an experienced squad determined to improve on their only previous World Cup appearance in 2018, where they exited at the group stage. Under Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, the Central Americans have shown impressive consistency and currently sit 34th in the FIFA rankings, significantly higher than Ghana’s 73rd position.

The statistics suggest a closely contested battle. During qualification, Ghana averaged 2.3 goals per game while conceding just 0.6, keeping six clean sheets. Panama also demonstrated defensive solidity, conceding only 0.5 goals per match and recording six shutouts while averaging 1.9 goals scored.

Recent form, however, appears to favour the Panamanians. Ghana endured a difficult run of results before earning a 1-1 draw against Wales in their final warm-up match. Panama have been more consistent, suffering only one defeat in their last five outings while recording two wins and two draws.

Queiroz is expected to start Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal behind a defensive line featuring Jonas Adjetey, Gideon Mensah, Richard Ofori Opoku and Ebenezer Annan Senaya. The midfield responsibility will likely fall on Salis Abdul Samed and Elisha Owusu, while captain Andre Ayew, Fatawu and Sulemana support striker Jerry Afriyie Adu in attack.

Panama are expected to counter with Orlando Mosquera in goal, protected by Michael Murillo, José Córdoba Fariña, Fidel Escobar Ramos and Eric Andrade. Their attacking hopes will rest on experienced forwards Ismael Díaz Harvey and Cecilio Waterman.

With both teams eager to make a positive start in Group L, the opening fixture carries enormous significance. A victory would provide a valuable platform for progression, while defeat could leave either side facing an uphill battle in the remaining group matches.

Ghana’s passionate supporters will be hoping the Black Stars can rediscover the spirit that made them one of Africa’s most successful World Cup nations and begin their 2026 campaign with a memorable result under the lights of Toronto.

Match Details

Fixture: Ghana vs Panama
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026  Group L
Venue: BMO Stadium, Toronto, Canada
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Kick-off: 23:00 GMT

Where to Watch

Football fans in Ghana can watch the match live on GTV, Sporty TV and Channel One TV, while SuperSport will broadcast all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

By Achore Richard