Last-Gasp Yirenkyi Strike Sends Black Stars Soaring Past Panama

The Black Stars of Ghana snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi, making a dream start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in Group L.

With the match seemingly destined to end in a goalless draw, Ghana struck in the fifth minute of added time. Brandon Thomas-Asante burst down the left on a swift counterattack before squaring the ball across goal for the onrushing Yirenkyi, who calmly tapped home to spark wild celebrations among the Ghanaian players and supporters.

The result was hard-earned. Panama looked the more threatening side during the opening half, forcing goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi into several important saves. The Black Stars struggled to create chances before the break and remarkably failed to register a shot in the first half, highlighting Panama’s defensive discipline.

Ghana improved after the interval despite losing Ati Zigi to injury at half-time, with Benjamin Asare stepping in between the posts. Carlos Queiroz’s men gradually gained control, while substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante injected much-needed pace and purpose into the attack.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Ghana launched one final counterattack. Thomas-Asante raced clear before delivering a perfectly weighted pass for Yirenkyi, whose composed finish secured all three points and sent the Black Stars faithful into ecstasy.

The goal was significant for the 20-year-old Yirenkyi, who scored his first competitive international goal and etched his name into Ghana’s World Cup history with the nation’s latest goal ever scored in regulation time at the tournament.

The victory gives Ghana a valuable foothold in Group L alongside England, who defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier in the day. With tougher tests still to come, the Black Stars have taken an important first step toward the knockout rounds, showing resilience and patience when it mattered most.

For Panama, it was heartbreak. After matching Ghana for much of the contest and looking on course to claim a precious point, they were undone by a single lapse in concentration at the death, leaving them with work to do in their remaining group fixtures.