Ghana 1-0 Panama: Yirenkyi’s buzzer-beater + Asare’s historic debut seal win
TORONTO, ONTARIO – June 18, 2026
A buzzer-beater goal by Caleb Yirenkyi and a historic goalkeeper debut ensured Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener at Toronto Stadium.
Yirenkyi Delivers Late Drama
For 94 minutes, the game looked destined for a goalless draw. Both sides created little until stoppage time, when substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante was set free down the left. He drove into the area and squared for Yirenkyi to tap home his first international goal. The late strike won the game for the Black Stars and denied Panama a first World Cup point.
The goal came deep into second-half stoppage time after a match that had been the worst game of the tournament by a distance for most of the 94 minutes.
Asare Makes History at Half-Time
Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was crucial in the first half. Los Canaleros enjoyed the first chance of note when Amir Murillo’s low cross found Cecilio Waterman in the area, but Ati-Zigi repelled his first-time effort with a fine diving save.
Panama created the next opening when a poor Ati-Zigi punch fell to Jiovany Ramos. The defender had time but blazed his effort over.
Benjamin Asare replaced Ati-Zigi after the first half, making him the first locally based goalkeeper to play at the World Cup for Ghana. The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper kept a clean sheet for the remainder of the game and helped preserve the 1-0 win.
Semenyo Named Man of the Match
Antoine Semenyo was recognized as Man of the Match for his work in attack. The forward’s movement and energy gave Ghana an outlet throughout the game, even during the quiet spells before Yirenkyi’s winner.
The Ghana goal continued to live a charmed life in the second half as Cristian Martinez collected a loose ball, used a clever shimmy to buy a yard, only to flash his shot into the side netting.
Queiroz Changes Spark Attack
Carlos Queiroz, who has now coached at a joint-record five successive World Cups, made a double change just before the hour, which nearly paid instant dividends. Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante darted down the right and slid the ball across the goal for captain Jordan Ayew, but Ramos got back to produce a goal-saving challenge.
Group L Table Takes Shape
The 1-0 win means Ghana join England on three points in Group L. Thomas Tuchel’s England beat Croatia 4-2 earlier today. With Yirenkyi’s late winner and Asare’s historic debut, Ghana’s World Cup campaign is off to a dramatic and memorable start.
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