Family holds Thanksgiving at Duayaw Nwanta after Caleb Yirenkyi’s 95th-minute winner seals Ghana win

By Sports Desk Accra June 19, 2026

Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign began with high drama Wednesday night as 20-year-old midfielder Caleb Marfo Yirenkyi scored a 95th-minute winner to seal a 1-0 victory over Panama in the Black Stars’ Group L opener at BMO Field, Toronto.

The Nordsjælland star tapped home a cross from Brandon Thomas-Asante deep into second-half stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations from the Ghana bench and supporters. The goal, scored at 94:04, broke Asamoah Gyan’s record for Ghana’s latest-ever World Cup goal. At 20 years and 153 days, Yirenkyi also became the Black Stars’ second youngest scorer in World Cup history.

“It was a play Ghana has been practicing throughout World Cup preparation. After a night of missed chances, it worked,” Yirenkyi told reporters after the match. “I feel quite good. I’ll give the credit to the team.”

Ghana, competing in their fifth World Cup and chasing a first knockout-stage appearance since 2010, endured a frustrating first half with no shots on target. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was forced off at halftime through injury, with Benjamin Asare replacing him. Panama looked the more threatening side before the break, but Ghana grew into the game after the restart. The decisive moment came from a quick counter-attack as Thomas-Asante drove down the left flank before rolling a precise pass across the 18-yard box for Yirenkyi to finish at the back post.

The result puts Ghana on 3 points in Group L, behind England, who defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier on Wednesday. FIFA ranked England 4th, Croatia 11th, Panama 34th, and Ghana 73rd before the tournament. Ghana will now turn its attention to a crucial clash with England, while Panama face Croatia in their next fixture.

From Bechem to the world stage

Born on 15 January 2006 in Bechem, Ahafo Region, Yirenkyi’s journey began at Right to Dream Academy, where he trained from 2017 to 2024. The academy has produced several Black Stars, including Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana. He moved to Denmark in 2024, joining FC Nordsjælland, and has since made 47 league appearances with 4 goals. In the 2025/26 Danish Superliga season, he recorded 2 goals, 6 assists and 2,614 minutes, earning high ratings for his work rate, passing, and defensive contribution.

Yirenkyi debuted for Ghana in 2025 and has since earned 12 caps and 2 goals for the senior national team, playing as both a central midfielder and full-back.

Family Thanksgiving at Duayaw Nkwanta

Following his World Cup heroics, Yirenkyi’s mother, Madam Cecilia Frimpomaa, and members of the Yirenkyi family gathered at The Church of Pentecost, Duayaw Nkwanta Central Assembly, on Friday for a thanksgiving service. They offered prayers and praise to God for Caleb’s life, his inclusion in the Black Stars squad, and the match-winning goal against Panama.

The Thanksgiving service drew members of the Duayaw Nkwanta community who joined the family to celebrate the Bechem-born star’s rise. For a young man who left Ahafo Region for Right to Dream as a child, Yirenkyi’s late winner has already written him into Black Stars folklore.