Yirenkyi's stoppage-time tap-in earns 10-man Ghana victory over Panama in World Cup opener

Caleb Yirenkyi tapped home a stoppage-time winner to hand Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama in their 2026 World Cup Group L opener on Wednesday, with the Black Stars completing the win despite losing starting goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi to injury at half-time.

The decisive moment came from a lightning-quick counter-attack: Brandon Thomas-Asante drove forward and slid a precise pass into the area for Yirenkyi, who converted for his first competitive international goal and sent Ghana to the top of Group L alongside England.

Ati Zigi had been Ghana’s standout performer in a difficult first half, producing a diving save to deny Cecilio Waterman’s slick first-time strike in the second minute and commanding his area throughout. He did not emerge after the break following a collision late in the first half, with Benjamin Asare taking his place.

Ghana were also without Thomas Partey, after the midfielder was denied entry into Canada and lost a visa appeal, leaving the Black Stars without two key figures for large portions of the contest.

Panama, backed by a vociferous red-clad travelling support, were energetic and threatening throughout, particularly in the first half when Ghana failed to register a single attempt on goal. Cristian Martinez came closest for Panama, lashing an effort from close range into the side-netting in the 60th minute, before the same player went down in the box appealing for a penalty — a claim the referee rejected.

Jonas Adjetey went close for Ghana with a header that forced a smart stop from Orlando Mosquera, and Thomas-Asante’s low cross for Jordan Ayew was poked just wide by Panama defender Jiovany before Yirenkyi settled the contest in added time.

Ghana, appearing at their fifth World Cup and aiming to surpass their quarter-final run in 2010, will face England in Boston on June 23, with Partey expected to be available. Panama meet Croatia the same day in Toronto.