Ghana vs Panama: Yirenkyi’s 95th-Minute Winner Sinks Panama
Updated 17 June 2026.
Ghana vs Panama at World Cup 2026 finished 1-0 to Ghana, with substitute Caleb Yirenkyi scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to snatch a Group L opener the Black Stars had dominated without their two biggest stars. Yirenkyi converted Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross to spare Ghana a frustrating night at BMO Field, missing Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey to injury.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | Ghana 1-0 Panama |
| Competition | World Cup 2026, Group L |
| Venue | BMO Field, Toronto (att. 42,942) |
| Ghana scorer | Yirenkyi 90+5′ |
| Cards | Yirenkyi (Y, 16′), Blackman (Y, 72′, PAN), Harvey (Y, 90+9′, PAN) |
| Referee | Glenn Nyberg (Sweden) |
How Ghana snatched a late winner
Panama defended deep and disciplined for long spells, frustrating a Ghana side already missing Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey to injury, exactly the absences this site’s preview flagged as the biggest threat to a routine win. Chances came and went without Ghana finding the breakthrough their territory deserved, and a goalless draw looked the likeliest outcome heading into the closing minutes.
Substitute Caleb Yirenkyi had other ideas. He arrived at the back post to convert Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending the BMO Field crowd into delirium and turning a stalemate into a 1-0 win at the very last opportunity.
A win that papers over Ghana’s missing pieces
Getting three points without Kudus and Partey, two of Ghana’s most important players, will matter more than the manner of victory. It is exactly the kind of result a squad needs depth for, and Yirenkyi’s impact off the bench gives Otto Addo options if either absentee is not fit for the next match.
What Ghana vs Panama World Cup 2026 means for Group L
Ghana go top of Group L on goal difference after round one, level on points with an England side that beat Croatia 4-2 on the same day. Panama, despite a battling display, leave with nothing and now need a response against Croatia or England to stay in contention. Follow every table on our standings page.
What is next
Both sides return to Group L action, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. Catch up on the rest of the day’s Group K and L openers in our June 17 preview hub, revisit our pre-match preview, and see the format, venues and full schedule in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Ghana vs Panama?
Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in their World Cup 2026 Group L opener on 17 June at BMO Field, Toronto.
Who scored the winning goal for Ghana?
Substitute Caleb Yirenkyi scored the only goal, converting Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Did Ghana play without Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey?
Yes, Ghana were without both Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey through injury and still found a way to win 1-0.
Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L.
