FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Yirenkyi nets late winner to break Panama hearts

A buzzer-beater goal by Caleb Yirenkyi ensured Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana secured a hard-fought win over Panama at Toronto Stadium.

Los Canaleros enjoyed the first chance of note, as Amir Murillo’s low cross found Cecilio Waterman in the area, but Lawrence Ati Zigi repelled his first-time effort with a fine diving save.

Panama created the next opening when a poor Ati Zigi punch fell to the feet of Jiovany Ramos, and while the defender had time, he blazed his effort over.

The Ghana goal continued to live a charmed life in the second half, with Cristian Martinez next to come close. The No6 collected a loose ball in the area and deployed a clever shimmy to buy a yard, only to flash his shot into the side netting.

Queiroz, who has now coached at a joint-record five successive World Cups, made a double change just before the hour which very nearly paid instant dividends. Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante darted down the right and slid the ball across goal for Jordan Ayew, but Ramos got back to produce a goal-saving challenge.

Both sides looked happy to settle for a draw until Thomas-Asante was set free down the left and drove into the area, before squaring for Yirenkyi to tap home his first international goal, winning the game for the Black Stars and denying Panama a first World Cup point in the process. (FIFA) 

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