Ghana opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in a tense Group L encounter in Toronto.
The Black Stars secured all three points through a stoppage-time goal from Caleb Yirenkyi after a fiercely contested battle.
Yirenkyi struck in the fifth minute of added time, sparking wild celebrations among Ghanaian supporters inside the stadium.
The late winner separated two teams that struggled for long periods to create clear scoring opportunities.
Panama made the brighter start and almost grabbed an early lead within two minutes.
Striker Cecilio Waterman tested Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi with a dangerous effort.
The goalkeeper reacted quickly to deny the Panamanian forward and keep the scores level.
Ghana found it difficult to establish an attacking rhythm during the opening half.
The Black Stars failed to register a shot on target before the halftime break.
Both teams battled for control in a match dominated by physical challenges and disciplined defending.
The pace of the contest improved after the restart despite persistent rainfall at Toronto Stadium.
Panama threatened again in the 60th minute through Cristian Martinez.
His powerful strike found the side-netting, prompting loud celebrations from Panamanian supporters who briefly thought their team had scored.
As the match entered its closing stages, a goalless draw appeared the most likely outcome.
However, Ghana continued to push forward in search of a breakthrough.
Their persistence was rewarded deep into stoppage time when Yirenkyi found the decisive goal.
The midfielder bundled the ball home to hand the Black Stars a priceless victory.
The late strike transformed the atmosphere inside the stadium as Ghanaian fans erupted in celebration.
Veteran coach Carlos Queiroz joined the celebrations and encouraged supporters to raise the volume after the winning goal.
The Portuguese tactician only took charge of Ghana a few months before the tournament.
Despite his short time with the team, he has already guided the Black Stars to an important opening victory.
The match also marked another milestone in Queiroz’s distinguished coaching career.
He became only the second manager to appear at five consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Queiroz previously led Portugal at the 2010 World Cup before guiding Iran in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
The encounter attracted a crowd of nearly 43,000 spectators in Toronto.
There were audible boos from sections of supporters during a second-half hydration break despite the rainy conditions.
Ghana achieved victory without one of their most experienced midfielders, Thomas Partey.
The Villarreal player was unavailable after Canadian authorities reportedly denied him entry for the tournament.
His absence forced the coaching crew to make adjustments ahead of the crucial fixture.
Nevertheless, Ghana produced a disciplined performance to begin their World Cup journey on a positive note.
The victory places the Black Stars in a strong position as they pursue qualification from Group L.
For Panama, the defeat was a painful setback after matching Ghana for much of the contest.
The Central American side will now seek a response in their next group-stage match.
Ghana, meanwhile, will hope the dramatic triumph serves as a platform for a successful campaign.
The late heroics of Yirenkyi ensured the Black Stars left the pitch with maximum points and renewed confidence.
