A dramatic last-minute goal from Caleb Yirenkyi propelled Ghana to a 1-0 victory over Panama, allowing them to share the top spot in Group L with England. Yirenkyi connected with Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross during stoppage time, clinching a match that saw few genuine scoring opportunities.
In the early stages, Cecilio Waterman tested Ghana’s goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, with a sharp shot in the second minute after seizing a cross from the right. However, this was one of the rare chances in a cautious first half played under Toronto’s rainy conditions.
Panama appeared to control the first half, with Cristian Martínez having a penalty claim dismissed as he pursued a ball over the top, while Jiovany Ramos squandered a chance by firing high and wide after Ati-Zigi’s acrobatic save deflected the ball into his path.
Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo shifted to a more central position as the half progressed, finally making a notable contribution just before the break with a through ball that set up Ghana’s first shot on goal, but Marvin Senaya ended up threatening only the corner flag.
Ati-Zigi, who required treatment late in the first half, was substituted at halftime for Benjamin Asare. Ghana began to show more intent, with Jonas Adjetey heading directly at Orlando Mosquera in a noteworthy attempt.
Martínez failed to convert a chance at the opposite end, but Ghana looked significantly more dynamic after the break. A crucial defensive play from Ramos denied Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew a clear shot on goal.
Moments later, Ramos shot wide from the edge of the box as the game began to open up. An offside decision and Mosquera’s efforts thwarted Thomas-Asante from scoring a late goal before he was released again to provide the assist for Yirenkyi’s decisive strike.
