Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage-time winner to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama in a World Cup 2026 group stage match on Wednesday.
The decisive moment came when Brandon Thomas-Asante led a swift counter-attack and delivered an accurate pass into the penalty area.
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Yirenkyi capitalized to record his first competitive international goal for Ghana.
The match was played in chilly conditions and heavily influenced by a lively contingent of red-clad Panama supporters.
Panama displayed immense energy and posed constant threats in the attacking third, while Ghana struggled to establish a rhythm until the second half.
Goalkeeper Injury
Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi stood out as Ghana's top performer during the opening 45 minutes, commanding his area effectively.
His contributions were vital as his teammates failed to register a single shot on the Panama goal in the first half.
Panama nearly claimed an early lead in the second minute when Cecilio Waterman connected with a sharp first-time strike off a pass from Amir Murillo.
However, Ati Zigi prevented the goal with a diving save.
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The physical intensity of the match led to an injury for the Ghanaian goalkeeper following a collision near the end of the first half.
After receiving medical treatment, Ati Zigi did not return for the second period and was replaced by Benjamin Asare.
Panama continued to press forward in the second half but missed several key opportunities, including a 60th-minute attempt by Cristian Martinez that hit the side-netting from a tight angle.
