The Black Stars got off to a flying start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 victory over Panama in Group L on Wednesday, June 17.
An injury-time tap-in by FC Nordsjaelland’s Caleb Yirenkyi after a hard-fought run by substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante gave the Stars the vital win over the Central Americans.
It was only the second victory by an African team in the first round of matches at the 23rd edition of the tournament with Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador the only one recorded prior to the last group outing.
The game at the Toronto Stadium in Canada began with Los Canaleros dominating play.
The few dashes at Ghana’s goal led dominantly by Cecilio Waterman and Jose Fajardo forced superb saves from goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi a couple of times.
No wonder the St. Gallen goalie picked up a knock, resulting in his substitution at the break.
With Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare coming between the sticks, the Black Stars gained momentum and turned the tide against their opponents.
Coming just after tournament favourites England had beaten Croatia 4-2, the match between Ghana and Panama became one of equals.
Head Coach Carlos Queiroz threw in several attackers including Thomas-Asante and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who intensified the threat against the Panamanians.
Viktoria Plzen’s Prince Adu Kwabena was also brought in to beef up the attack.
This final substitution appeared to have worked as the 2010 quarter-finalists clinched the winner five minutes into time added on.
The win takes Ghana on the same points as England with the two sides set for a showdown at the Boston Stadium on Tuesday, June 23.
Immediately, after Wednesday’s victory, secured without former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who had been denied visa entry to Canada, a grateful Queiroz run to the supporters to express indebtedness.
