7M - Ghana 1-0 Panama: Carlos Queiroz's side secure narrow win over Panama with dramatic 95th minute winner in Group L clash

A last-gasp strike from Caleb Yirenkyi deep into stoppage time gave Ghana a dramatic victory over Panama at Toronto Stadium. The Black Stars broke Panamanian hearts in the 95th minute of the match when substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante broke loose down the left flank and delivered a precise pass across the penalty area, allowing Yirenkyi to tap in his first ever international goal.

Panama had created the better openings earlier in the match, but they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities. In the first half, Cecilio Waterman met a low cross from Amir Murillo, but his first-time shot was brilliantly denied by a diving save from Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Shortly after, a weak punch from Asare fell directly to Jiovany Ramos, who missed a golden chance by blasting his effort over the crossbar.

Panama continued to threaten after the break when Cristian Martinez beat his marker with a clever shimmy inside the box, only to strike his shot into the side netting. Ghana responded when manager Carlos Queiroz made a double substitution just before the hour mark. One of those changes, Brandon Thomas-Asante, almost made an immediate impact by crossing for Jordan Ayew, but Ramos made a crucial, goal-saving tackle to deny him.

The match seemed destined for a goalless draw until Yirenkyi's late intervention secured the points for Ghana, denying Los Canaleros their first ever World Cup point. With this victory, Carlos Queiroz achieved a notable milestone, having now coached teams at a joint-record five consecutive World Cups, following his previous stints with Portugal in 2010, IR Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and now Ghana in 2026. Ghana's Antoine Semenyo was named the Player of the Match.