Both teams entered the match with high determination and created a back-and-forth game. Panama had more dangerous opportunities in the first half. In the 34th minute, Cristian Martínez fell in the penalty area after a challenge with a Ghana defender, but the referee refused to award a penalty to the Central American team after consulting VAR.

A situation involving a contested aerial ball between players from both teams. Photo: Reuters

In the second half, Ghana increased the pressure and repeatedly threatened Panama's goal. In the 65th minute, Asante delivered a good cross, but Jordan Ayew was a fraction of a second too slow to react, missing the opportunity to open the scoring. A few minutes later, center-back Jonas Adjetey rose high to head the ball from a corner kick, but it went just wide of the goal.

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Just when the match seemed destined for a goalless draw, Ghana unexpectedly got what they needed. In the 90+5th minute, Asante broke down the right wing and delivered an accurate cross for Yirenkyi to tap the ball in from close range, beating the Panama goalkeeper to score the only goal of the match.

Yirenkyi celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against Panama.

A last-minute goal secured a dramatic three points for Ghana in their opening match, giving them a crucial advantage in the race to qualify from Group L of the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Panama dropped a valuable point after a valiant effort.

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    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/world-cup-2026-ghana-thang-nghet-tho-panama-1044811