Ghana Edges Panama 1-0 with Stoppage-Time Winner in World Cup Opener

(CNA, Toronto, 17th, Comprehensive Foreign Wire) Ghana dramatically defeated Panama 1-0 today in their opening World Cup Group L match, securing a precious victory thanks to a stoppage-time winning goal by Caleb Yirenkyi.

According to AFP, Yirenkyi scored in a goalmouth scramble in the 5th minute of stoppage time, not only bringing victory to Ghana but also sending thousands of Ghanaian fans watching at the stadium in Toronto into a frenzy of celebration.

Just 2 minutes into the match, Panama forward Cecilio Waterman had an opportunity, but his shot was saved by a diving effort from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.

After that, both teams struggled to create threatening attacking opportunities in the first half. In the second half, the game continued in the rain, but the pace gradually picked up, and the attacking performance of both sides improved.

In the 60th minute, a powerful shot by Panama midfielder Cristian Martinez hit the side netting, drawing loud cheers from the large crowd of Panama supporters present.

However, just when the match was thought to end in a 0-0 draw, Yirenkyi stepped up and scored the only goal of the game in stoppage time, helping Ghana achieve victory.

Ghana won this match without their key midfielder Thomas Partey. Partey, who plays for Villarreal in La Liga, is facing a trial over rape allegations, and Canadian authorities refused to issue him a World Cup visa.