Ghana scores winning goal at the death to take a 1-0 win over Panama

Ghana and Panama remained scoreless for 95 minutes, that was until Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi would score the game winning goal with just a minute left in stoppage-time.

Panama created an offensive opportunity very early, recording their first shot of the match in the second minute.

Panama’s Cecilio Waterman redirected a strong pass onto goal, but Ghanian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi would make an incredible diving save to keep Panama off the board.

While the first half felt in Panama’s control, you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at their shots.

After the Waterman attempt on net, Panama would only manage two more shots during the remainder of the first half.

As for Ghana, they were playing on the back foot for a majority of the first half, doing their best to keep Panama off the board.

Despite the momentum being firmly in Panama’s favor, neither side managed to break the deadlock, with Ghana failing to record a shot.

Coming out of the half, Ghanian goalkeeper Ati Zigi would be subbed off due to apparent injury suffered in the first half.

Benjamin Asare would come in to replace Zigi in the second half.

Ghana would finally find their first attempt on net of the night in the 48th minute.

It would come courtesy of Jonas Adjetey who forced Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera to make his first save of the match.

Ghana would come feet, possibly inches away from taking the lead in the 66th minute.

Panama would come right back down the field a minute later.

Jiovany Ramos would look to curl a strike to the far post but would miss just wide left.

The remainder of the match continued to go back and forth as both sides could not secure a goal.

But that would all change in the 90+5 minute.

During another Ghanaian break away Brandon Thomas-Asante would cross a pass into the Panamanian box.

Where Caleb Yirenkyi would meet it, tapping it in and propelling Ghana to a 1-0 win with late game heroics.

Ghana and Panama will both play their second group stage matches on Tuesday.

Ghana will look to try and pull off the massive upset against England at 4 p.m.

And Panama will look to bounce back against a tough opponent in Croatia at 7 p.m.

Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_official

About the Author Published Jun 17, 2026

ADRIAN MURILLO SILVA

Adrian Murillo Silva covers both MLB and soccer news for Ball Exclusives. He has previously worked with other news publications such as The Lantern, the independent student voice of Ohio State.