FIFA WC 2026: Yirenkyi's late winner helps Ghana edge Panama 1-0 in Group L clash
Toronto, June 18
A 95th-minute goal by Caleb Yirenkyi saw Ghana secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama in the FIFA World Cup Group L clash here at Toronto Stadium on Thursday.
Pnama enjoyed the first chance of note, as Amir Murillo's low cross found Cecilio Waterman in the area, but Benjamin Asare repelled his first-time effort with a fine diving save. They created the next opening when a poor Asare punch fell to the feet of Jiovany Ramos, and while the defender had time, he blazed his effort over.
The Ghana goal continued to live a charmed life in the second half, with Cristian Martinez next to come close. The No6 collected a loose ball in the area and deployed a clever shimmy to buy a yard, only to flash his shot into the side netting.
Queiroz, who has now coached at a joint-record five successive World Cups, made a double change just before the hour which very nearly paid instant dividends. Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante darted down the right and slid the ball across goal for Jordan Ayew, but Ramos got back to produce a goal-saving challenge.
Both sides looked happy to settle for a draw until Thomas-Asante was set free down the left and drove into the area, before squaring for Yirenkyi to tap home his first international goal, winning the game for the Black Stars and denying Panama a first World Cup point in the process.
Notably, Queiroz has coached teams at five successive World Cups. He led Portugal at South Africa 2010, Iran at Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, and now Ghana at the 2026 edition. He is just the second coach to achieve that following Bora Milutinovic.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Panama deserved at least a point based on that report. But that's football - you miss chances, you pay. I feel for them though. As an Indian fan, I know how it feels to see a team fight hard and still lose. Ghana's resilience is impressive. 🇬🇭
Queiroz is a tactical genius. Five World Cups with different teams? That's unprecedented adaptability. Ghana might be dark horses this tournament. Panama's just unlucky not to get that first point. Great match overall.
🇮🇳 We keep saying 'next time' for India's World Cup debut. Seeing teams like Panama, with smaller profiles, compete makes me hopeful and envious at the same time. Ghana's commitment in the 95th minute is something our players need to emulate.
Panamá played well but wasted too many chances. Ghana's defense was shaky but they got the job done. Fifa should look at VAR for those late goals though - always a bit fishy in injury time. Still, happy for Yirenkyi's first goal!
As a football fan from Mumbai, I love seeing these underdog battles! Ghana's never-say-die attitude is inspiring. But honestly, Panama's defending in the final minutes was poor - they switched off. Big mistake in World Cup. Queiroz's experience showed in tactical substitution.
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