Caleb Yirenkyi strikes late, granting Ghana a dramatic victory

Caleb Yirenkyi delivered an unforgettable stoppage-time strike to earn Ghana a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama. Both teams battled fiercely during their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener at Toronto Stadium. Ghana maintained dominant possession but repeatedly failed to breach an organized Panamanian defense. Los Canaleros also created occasional counter-attacking threats, forcing goalkeeper Benjamin Asare into critical saves during tightly contested moments.

Veteran manager Carlos Queiroz joins an exclusive club by coaching his fifth successive national squad at this global tournament. His tactical adjustments finally paid off in the closing moments when substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante broke through on the left flank. He fired a precise cross into the penalty area, allowing Yirenkyi to tap the ball into the net. Such nail-biting finishes resonate deeply with growing football fanbases in Odisha, where late-game heroics at Kalinga Stadium regularly captivate local supporters. This victory denied Panama their first-ever point at the tournament finals, leaving them third in Group L.

With Inputs from Agnecy Threads and Image Courtesy: ANI