The Panama team was seconds away from adding a valuable result in its debut in the 2026 World Cup, but a goal in added time ended up destroying its aspirations. A shot by Caleb Yirenkyi at minute 90 5 gave Ghana a 1-0 victory at the close of the first day of Group L, leaving the Central Americans empty-handed after a match of great attrition.

The match, played in Toronto, seemed headed for a goalless draw. However, a defensive lack of concentration on the last play completely changed the history of the game.

Panama made the expenditure, but did not find the goal

During several passages of the match, the team led by Thomas Christiansen was the team that sought the rival goal the most. The Canalera squad showed initiative, tried to impose conditions and generated a sense of danger, although without the necessary forcefulness to reflect it on the scoreboard.

The lack of efficiency ended up being a determining factor for a team that competed on equal terms against an African team that opted for patience and defensive order.

While Panama insisted, Ghana waited for the right moment to attack.

The final blow came on the last play

When everything indicated that both teams would share points, Ghana found the prize in added time.

At minute 90 5, Brandon Thomas-Asante sent a ball to the center of the area and Caleb Yirenkyi appeared to define and score the only goal of the night.

The score silenced the Panamanian aspirations and unleashed the celebration of the African team, which rescued three points in one of the last actions of the match.

For Panama, the outcome left a bitter feeling after having resisted for more than 90 minutes and staying in the fight until the end.

Ghana takes advantage and settles at the top of Group L

With the victory, Ghana adds three points and places itself at the top of Group L, only behind England, which hours before defeated Croatia 4-2.

The African team took advantage of one of the few clear opportunities it generated and capitalized to the maximum on its rival's lack of forcefulness.

Panama, on the other hand, will have to quickly recover from a painful result that has complicated its outlook from the first day.

Panama will face a key test against Croatia

After the defeat, the Canal team is forced to react in its next presentation if it wants to remain with a chance of advancing to the next phase.

On June 23, Panama will face Croatia in a duel that could set the course for both teams within the group. For its part, Ghana will have a demanding test against England, one of the sector's favorites.

The first date left a hard lesson for Panama: in a World Cup, a mistake in the final moments can cost points that seem assured.