Ghana Secures Dramatic Victory at the 2026 World Cup, Caleb Yirenkyi Emerges as Hero After Defeating Panama

Ghana National Team secured a dramatic victory in their opening fixture of 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L after beating Panama 1-0 at BMO Field, Toronto, Canada, on Thursday morning WIB. Caleb Yirenkyi's solitary strike in the 90+5th minute proved the difference between the sides.

This result handed Ghana three vital points, and ensured the race in Group L remains fiercely contested; the group also features England and Croatia.

Panama started the match on the front foot with aggressive play. Just two minutes after kickoff, Cecilio Waterman forced a sharp save from Ghana Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.

Panama sustained their pressure as Cesar Blackman repeatedly troubled Ghana's backline. The Central American side looked fully in control of the match tempo during the opening half.

By contrast, Carlos Queiroz's Ghana side struggled to settle into their rhythm. The Black Stars repeatedly saw their build-up play break down before they could penetrate Panama's final third, with neither side finding the net before the half time interval.

Following the restart, Antoine Semenyo stepped up as Ghana's primary attacking outlet, regularly forcing Panama's defence into last-ditch defensive work.

Just as the match looked set to finish goalless, Ghana found their breakthrough deep into stoppage time.

A well-worked wide attack created the clearest chance of the entire match. Brandon Thomas-Asante delivered a cross into the penalty area which Caleb Yirenkyi finished cleanly from close range.

The ball beat Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera to break the deadlock in the 90+5th minute. This goal from the FC Nordsjælland midfielder sealed a hard-earned victory for Ghana.