Ghana vs Panama

The first half was a drab affair that set an unwanted record. Ghana became the first team at this World Cup to register zero shots in an opening period, struggling to build any sustained possession against a well-drilled Panama side. The Black Stars' midfield, without the expected creative spark from Mohammed Kudus, failed to connect with lone forwards Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo.

Panama, by contrast, grew into the game. Cecilio Waterman and César Blackman tested Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi from distance, while Adalberto Carrasquilla dictated the tempo in central midfield. The Central Americans looked the likelier scorers heading into the interval, but their finishing lacked the requisite precision.

Ghana head coach Otto Addo reacted at the break, replacing goalkeeper Zigi with Benjamin Asare — a move that raised eyebrows but paid off as Asare dealt confidently with crosses into the box. Further attacking changes followed: Abdul Fatawu and Brandon Thomas-Asante entered the fray for Ernest Nuamah and Kamaldeen Sulemana respectively.

Panama responded by introducing José Fajardo and Alfre Londoño, hoping to inject fresh legs into an attack that had pressed well but had little to show for it. The game entered a scrappy middle third, with both sides cancelling each other out and clear chances at a premium.

Just as the fourth official signalled five minutes of added time, the match sparked to life. Brandon Thomas-Asante, one of the second-half substitutes, drove down the right channel and picked out Yirenkyi arriving late in the box. The 23-year-old controlled, swivelled, and fired low past Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera to send the Ghanaian contingent behind the goal into delirium.

"You could feel the stands shaking as Ghanaian fans erupted in cheers, stomping their feet in celebration," wrote Toronto Star reporter Libaan Osman from the stadium.

The goal was the latest scored in the tournament so far and completely rewrote the narrative of a match that had been frustrating for both sets of supporters.

Ghana's three points put them level with England at the top of Group L, after Thomas Tuchel's side beat Croatia 4–2 earlier in the day. For Panama, the result is a bitter pill — they dominated long stretches but have nothing to show for their efforts. The return of captain Aníbal Godoy, who made a late substitute appearance after injury, offers some solace ahead of their next group fixture.

• Possession: Ghana 43% – 57% Panama
• Shots (on target): Ghana 4 (2) – 8 (3) Panama
• Yellow cards: Yirenkyi (GHA), Blackman (PAN), Harvey (PAN)
• Attendance: 42,942 (near-sellout at BMO Field's 43,036 capacity)
• Goal timing: 90+5' — the latest goal of the 2026 World Cup so far

Caleb Yirenkyi — Booked early, quiet for most of the game, but produced the decisive moment with a calm finish under pressure. His willingness to arrive late in the box from midfield was the one attacking pattern Ghana had threatened with all evening, and it finally paid off in stoppage time.

Ghana will look to build on this momentum in their next Group L fixture, while Panama must regroup quickly to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. With England and Croatia also in the group, every point carries enormous weight.