Ghana kicked off their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto on Saturday.
The match appeared headed for a goalless draw until substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante set up Caleb Yirenkyi for a close-range finish in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
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Tactical Battle Unfolds
Panama, seeking their first-ever World Cup point, successfully contained Ghana's attack for most of the game.
The Central American side neutralized the threat of Antoine Semenyo, limiting Ghana's chances in a cautious first half where the Africans failed to register a single shot.
Carlos Queiroz's team struggled to break down a disciplined Panama defense until Thomas-Asante's introduction in the 58th minute changed the dynamic.
The Coventry City forward injected urgency and eventually found space on the left flank to deliver a low cross that Yirenkyi converted from close range.
"We battled like warriors," said Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz. "We won the game with our brains.
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First we had to suffer against a great team."
Queiroz acknowledged Panama's control of the game but praised his team's strategic patience. "Step by step, our strategy was to let them come.
This is the way to win."
Panama pushed for an equalizer in stoppage time, with goalkeeper Mosquera advancing to win a header in the opposition box, but Ghana held on for the clean sheet.
The late defeat severely damages Panama's progression hopes, as they still face Group L rivals England and Croatia.
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Ghana, meanwhile, secures a crucial advantage despite needing performance improvements in upcoming matches.
