Ghana scored a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening World Cup Group L clash in Toronto on Wednesday.
Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending thousands of Ghanaians in Canada’s largest city into a frenzy and settling an otherwise attritional battle.
Both sides largely struggled to generate chances in the first half after Panama striker Cecilio Waterman’s second-minute attempt was steered away by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.
The Black Stars did not attempt a shot on goal in the first half.
The second half, played under steady rain at Toronto Stadium, saw more sustained attacking play.
Cristian Martinez sparked loud cheers from the Panamanian supporters when he lashed a shot into the side-netting in the 60th minute.
But the match looked headed for a scoreless draw until Yirenkyi put the Black Stars ahead in stoppage time.
Ghana’s veteran coach Carlos Queiroz turned to his side’s fans after the goal, urging them on in celebration.
Queiroz only took charge of the Black Stars a couple of months before the tournament.
Wednesday’s fixture made him only the second coach to appear in five consecutive World Cups, after leading Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Loud boos rang out across the crowd of nearly 43,000 during a second-half hydration break under pouring rain.
Ghana triumphed despite being without Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial on rape charges in Britain. Canadian authorities denied him a World Cup visa over the British case.
