It looked destined to end in frustration for Ghana, until Caleb Yirenkyi appeared at the crucial moment
in the 95th minute in Toronto to seal a dramatic victory over Panama, crushing their hopes of a first-ever World Cup point.
With six minutes added on in a match short on clear-cut chances, Brandon Thomas-Asante made the decisive impact down the left flank. The forward beat his marker with pace and composure before cutting the ball back for Yirenkyi, who calmly tapped home from close range to settle the contest.
The result was a cruel blow for Panama, who had matched the four-time African champions for long spells in only their fourth World Cup appearance since their debut in 2018.
Panama could have changed the story early on, going close inside two minutes when Cecilio Waterman forced a sharp save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who tipped his effort over the bar.
After the break, Cristian Martínez came within inches of breaking the deadlock, hammering a strike into the side-netting from a promising position. The Central Americans continued to press late on, even sending goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera forward for a set-piece, where he managed to nod the ball into a dangerous area before Ismael Díaz directed his header straight into the hands of Ghana substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Ghana were forced into a first-half change when Ati-Zigi was replaced at the break after landing awkwardly, with Asare stepping in for the remainder of the match.
Despite the win, the Black Stars offered little going forward for long stretches and will know improvements are needed ahead of their next Group L fixture against England in Boston on Tuesday night. Panama, meanwhile, face Croatia in Toronto on Wednesday as they continue their search for a first World Cup point.
Ghana were also without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was ruled out after being denied entry into Canada due to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Both teams remain in contention but still have tough tests ahead against England and Croatia in Group L.
