A dramatic late strike from Caleb Yirenkyi propelled Ghana to a 1-0 victory over Panama, enabling them to share the top spot in Group L with England. Yirenkyi found the net with a well-placed effort from Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross during stoppage time, clinching a match that featured limited clear-cut opportunities.
Panama started strong as Cecilio Waterman forced an impressive save from Ghana’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the second minute, following a right-side cross. However, this was one of the few significant chances in a tightly contested first half played under Toronto’s persistent rain.
In the opening half, Panama appeared more threatening, with Cristian Martínez’s penalty shout dismissed after he sought to capitalize on a long ball. Jiovany Ramos also squandered a chance, firing high and wide after Ati-Zigi had acrobatically punched the ball towards him.
As the first half progressed, Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo shifted his position more centrally, finally making an impact just before half-time with a through ball that led to Ghana’s first shot on goal. Marvin Senaya’s effort, however, was more of a threat to the corner flag than the net.
After receiving treatment late in the first half, Ati-Zigi was substituted for Benjamin Asare at the break. Ghana finally generated a noteworthy attempt when Jonas Adjetey’s header went straight at Orlando Mosquera.
At the other end, Martínez was unable to convert as he aimed for the inside of the post. Nevertheless, Ghana emerged more vibrant after the interval, with only a last-ditch effort from Ramos preventing Leicester City’s Jordan Ayew from scoring.
Ramos later curled a shot wide from the edge of the box as the match began to open up. An offside flag and Mosquera’s intervention denied Thomas-Asante a potential late winner, but he managed to deliver the decisive cross for Yirenkyi shortly thereafter.
