Ghana beats Panama 1-0 with stoppage-time goal in World Cup opener

Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their 2026 World Cup Group L match yesterday at Toronto Stadium, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The game unfolded under steady rain, with both sides creating few chances early; Panama's Cecilio Waterman had an early effort saved by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, and Ghana did not register a shot on target in the first half. The second half saw more sustained attacking play, and amid loud boos from nearly 43,000 fans during a hydration break, Yirenkyi's late header sent thousands of Ghanaian supporters in Toronto into celebration. Veteran coach Carlos Queiroz, who only took charge months before the tournament, celebrated with fans and became only the second coach to appear in five consecutive World Cups, after leading Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Notably, Ghana played without midfielder Thomas Partey, whose World Cup visa was denied by Canadian authorities due to an ongoing rape trial in Britain. The win gives Ghana a strong start in Group L and highlights the team's resilience despite missing a key player, while boosting African representation on the global stage.

With Ghana off to a winning start, will their momentum carry them through the group stage, or will challenges like missing Partey test their squad depth and tactical flexibility?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/18/ghana-beat-panama-1-0-in-world-cup-opener/