Ghana snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi’s 95th-minute winner, denying the Central Americans their first-ever World Cup point in Toronto, Canada.
With the match seemingly destined to end goalless, Brandon Thomas-Asante drove down the left wing deep into stoppage time, beat his marker and squared the ball for Yirenkyi, who tapped home the decisive goal.
The result was a cruel blow for Panama, who matched the four-time African champions throughout a tightly contested encounter and came close to taking the lead on several occasions.
Panama threatened inside the opening two minutes when Cecilio Waterman’s strike was tipped over the bar by Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi. Cristian Martinez also went close after the break, firing into the side-netting from close range.
Ghana suffered a setback when Zigi was forced off at half-time after landing awkwardly in the first half, with Benjamin Asare replacing him. Asare later made an important stop in the closing stages after Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera joined a late attack and helped create a chance for Ismael Diaz.
Despite creating little for much of the contest, Ghana found the breakthrough with what became the latest winning goal of the tournament so far.
The Black Stars were without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry to Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The victory gives Ghana a valuable three points ahead of their Group L clash against leaders England in Boston on Tuesday, while Panama will seek to end their World Cup losing streak when they face Croatia in Toronto on Wednesday.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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