Ghana snatch a last-gasp win over Panama

Panama dominated for long spells and were seconds from their first World Cup point, but Caleb Yirenkyi struck in the 90+5th minute to give Ghana a 1-0 win.

It took until the 95th minute. In rainy Toronto, Ghana looked set for a flat draw, or worse, against a Panama side that had controlled much of the game. Then Caleb Yirenkyi burst through and delivered the Black Stars.

Match summary

Panama started sharper, with Cecilio Waterman forcing Lawrence Ati-Zigi into an early save. Ghana failed to take a single shot in the first half, then improved after the break through Antoine Semenyo and Jonas Adjetey. Just when the draw seemed settled, Brandon Thomas-Asante slipped Yirenkyi into the box, and the youngster cut inside before firing under the bar.

After the match

Panama will carry heavy regrets: possession, chances and a historic first point all disappeared in stoppage time. Ghana were far from fluent, but took the only thing that mattered.

What next

Ghana move to three points alongside England in Group L. Panama now face Croatia still chasing their first World Cup point.

Ghana leave with three points they may not have expected. Panama leave with the pain of a result lost at the death.