Caleb Yirenkyi delivered a moment of late drama as Ghana began their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama, denying the debutants a historic first point at the tournament in a tense Group L encounter at BMO Field in Toronto.
With both sides drawn alongside European heavyweights England and Croatia, the importance of the fixture was clear from the outset.
However, the pressure of the occasion appeared to weigh heavily on both teams during a cautious opening half, with neither willing to take unnecessary risks.
Panama made the brighter start and almost opened the scoring inside two minutes when Cecilio Waterman connected with a ball into the area, sending a half-volley towards goal that forced Lawrence Ati Zigi into an early smart save.
The Canal Men enjoyed more possession in the first half and looked the more composed side in possession, but they struggled to turn their dominance into clear opportunities.
A penalty appeal just after the half-hour mark was the closest they came, while Ghana managed only one effort before the break, a wayward strike from Marvin Senaya.
The Black Stars entered the tournament looking to rediscover their form after failing to win any of their six post-qualification friendlies, and their attacking struggles continued into the opening period.
Having won just one of their previous seven World Cup matches, Ghana needed a significant improvement after half-time.
Panama created the first real chance after the restart when Carlos Harvey’s miscued effort fell kindly for Christian Martínez, but pressure from the Ghana defence forced his close-range effort wide.
Ghana gradually grew into the contest and finally began to threaten.
Seven minutes after the hour mark, Brandon Thomas-Asante produced a dangerous cross into the box that looked destined for Jordan Ayew, only for Jiovany Ramos to produce a superb sliding challenge to deny the forward.
As the match appeared destined for a goalless draw, Ghana produced a dramatic late winner deep into stoppage time.
Thomas-Asante broke free down the left before driving into the area and delivering a perfectly timed pass across goal, allowing Yirenkyi to poke the ball into an empty net and spark wild celebrations among the Ghana supporters.
The victory lifts Carlos Queiroz’s side into second place in Group L ahead of their next challenge against leaders England, while Panama are left reflecting on missed opportunities after a narrow defeat that makes their route to the knockout stages considerably more difficult.
