Ghana's Last-Second Goal Stuns Panama at World Cup

Sometimes the best moments come when you least expect them, and Caleb Yirenkyi just gave Ghana one they'll never forget.

Yirenkyi steered home a cross from Brandon Thomas-Asante in stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory over Panama in their World Cup opener in Toronto. The goal broke the deadlock in a match that had seemed destined for a goalless draw.

The game started with promise as Panama's Cecilio Waterman forced a strong save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in just the second minute. But clear chances proved rare in the rainy first half, with both teams struggling to break through organized defenses.

Panama controlled much of the opening period, with Cristian Martínez appealing for a penalty and Jiovany Ramos firing wide after Ati-Zigi's acrobatic punch fell into his path. Ghana managed just one shot before halftime, and it missed the target entirely.

The second half brought new energy from Ghana. Ati-Zigi, injured in a first-half collision, was replaced by Benjamin Asare at the break. The substitution seemed to spark the team as they pushed forward with renewed confidence.

Jonas Adjetey headed straight at Panama keeper Orlando Mosquera as Ghana searched for the breakthrough. Jordan Ayew, the Leicester forward, nearly scored but was denied by a last-ditch touch from Ramos.

The match opened up in the final minutes with both teams pushing for a winner. Thomas-Asante had one attempt ruled offside, but moments later he found space down the right side and delivered the perfect cross for Yirenkyi to finish.

Why This Inspires

Ghana's victory shows the power of persistence. Coach Carlos Queiroz praised his team's second-half transformation, saying "with the football we played today we can count on Ghana to do something" at this World Cup.

The win puts Ghana level with England at the top of Group L heading into their matchup in Boston on Tuesday. Panama coach Thomas Christiansen called the defeat "painful" but vowed his team would "fight until the last breath" against Croatia in their next match.

For Ghana, the dramatic finish rewards a team that refused to settle for a draw and kept pushing until the final whistle.