Caleb Yirenkyi scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner to hand Ghana a 1–0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup opener at Toronto Stadium on Wednesday night.
The fiercely contested Group L match appeared headed for a scoreless draw before Yirenkyi broke the deadlock deep into second-half stoppage time, beating goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera to spark wild celebrations on the Ghanaian bench.
Both teams created several chances in the first half but failed to convert.
Panama threatened periodically on the counter through winger Ismael Díaz, but the Black Stars’ defense, anchored by Jerome Opoku, held firm.
Meanwhile, Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi suffered an injury and was replaced at halftime by Benjamin Asare, who maintained the clean sheet under minimal pressure.
With England and Croatia looming in Group L, the victory gives Carlos Queiroz’s side a vital three points to open their campaign, while Thomas Christiansen’s Panama faces an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout rounds.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
