Yirenkyi Stoppage-Time Winner Sinks Panama as Black Stars Arrive in Rhode Island for England Prep

Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in a dramatic goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time to hand Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opener in Toronto on Wednesday night, a result that has breathed life into the Black Stars’ campaign and set the stage for a high-stakes encounter with England next week.

The goal, which sent thousands of Ghanaians packed into the Toronto stadium and across viewing centres at home into rapturous celebration, was the culmination of a second half in which Ghana gradually imposed themselves on a Panama side that had offered little in attack but proved stubborn to break down.

A Cagey First Half

The opening 45 minutes were a cautious affair, with neither side willing to commit too many bodies forward. Panama fashioned the best early chance when Cecilio Waterma tested Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi with a second-minute effort, but the experienced shot-stopper was equal to it.

Ghana struggled to create clear-cut openings in the first half, with Panama’s compact defensive shape frustrating the Black Stars’ attempts to play through the middle. The midfield battle was evenly contested, and the teams went into the break with the scoreline goalless.

Rain and Resilience

The second half was played in steady rain that made conditions increasingly difficult. Yet it was Ghana who adapted better, creating several promising openings as the match wore on. The Black Stars pressed higher and with more urgency, pinning Panama back in their own half for extended periods.

The breakthrough finally came deep into stoppage time. Brandon Thomas-Asante delivered the assist, and Yirenkyi was on hand to bundle the ball home, triggering wild celebrations among the Ghanaian contingent in the stands and among the squad on the touchline.

Man-of-the-match honours went to Antoine Semenyo, whose tireless work in the final third kept Panama’s defenders occupied throughout and whose movement created the spaces that ultimately proved decisive.

A Coaching Milestone

The victory also marked a personal milestone for head coach Carlos Queiroz, who became only the second manager in history to take charge of teams at five consecutive World Cups, having previously guided Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022. The Portuguese tactician was visibly emotional after the final whistle, turning to the crowd and urging fans to keep believing in the team.

“We did everything possible to have our players ready for Panama,” Queiroz said, paying tribute to the squad’s preparation and mentality in the closing stages.

Vice President Among the Dignitaries

Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, was in attendance to cheer the Black Stars, underscoring the significance of the occasion for the nation. Her presence in the stands added a political dimension to what was already a moment of deep national pride.

Eyes on England

The team wasted little time in turning their attention to the next fixture. Within hours of the final whistle, the squad had relocated to their training base at Bryant University in Providence, Rhode Island, where a recovery session was held on Thursday morning.

The focus now shifts to Tuesday’s meeting with England in Boston, a match that could define the trajectory of Ghana’s tournament. Semenyo struck a confident note upon arrival at the team’s base, declaring the squad ready to prove a point against the Three Lions. Meanwhile, England are expected to have Declan Rice available despite the midfielder nursing a back complaint from the Three Lions’ own opening match.

For Queiroz and his players, the Panama result was never the destination, merely a necessary step. The real test begins on Tuesday.

Image Source: GHANAIAN TIMES