Ghana Beats Panama 1-0 in Tight Match Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Caleb Yirenkyi scored the decisive goal as Ghana earned a hard‑fought 1‑0 win over Panama at Toronto Stadium.

Panama created early danger, but goalkeeper Benjamin Asare made an impressive diving save to deny Cecilio Waterman’s shot.

Panama pressed on and produced another clear chance after Asare’s weak punch fell to Jiovany Ramos, yet the defender’s effort sailed over the crossbar despite ample time and space.

In the second half, Panama missed another opportunity when Cristian Martínez seized a loose ball inside the penalty area but could only hit the side netting.

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Ghana nearly took the lead around the hour mark.

Substitute Brandon Thomas‑Asante sprinted down the right and delivered a cross that Jordan Ayew headed toward the goal, but Ramos recovered to make a goal‑saving tackle.

The match seemed poised for a draw until Yirenkyi struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic victory for Ghana.

Thomas‑Asante, coming on as a substitute, was unleashed down the left and drove into the area before squaring for Yirenkyi, who tapped home his first international goal.

Ghana now sit in second place in Group L and will face England in their next game at Boston Stadium next week on Tuesday.

Adeboye Amosu

Adeboye Amosu; Senior Content Writer. NPFL Expert, Super Eagles, Chelsea.