Ghana deny Panama first World Cup point with 95th-minute winner | OneFootball

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Ghana denied Panama their first ever World Cup point by claiming a 1-0 win with a 95th minute winner from Caleb Yirenkyi at Toronto’s BMG stadium.

Yirenkyi’s goal secured victory for the Black Stars in a match which was otherwise bereft of quality and many clear-cut chances.

Given Carlos Queiroz’s side face England and Croatia in their next two fixtures, tonight’s result may prove pivotal in sealing knockout stage qualification.

Despite it being Ghana who triumphed it was Panama who started better, managing 60% possession in the opening 20 minutes and applying plenty of pressure in Ghana’s final third.

And they could’ve scored just two minutes in, had Cecilio Waterman’s stunning effort not been superbly saved by Black Stars keeper Lawrence Ati Zigi.

Following that chance the Panamanians had the opportunity to go close again before the 15 minute mark, but failed to take advantage of a dangerous left sided delivery.

Gideon Mensah attempted to deliver a ball into Panama’s box a few minutes before the hydration break, only to see his tame cross easily dealt with by the opposition defence.

Cristian Martinez burst into Ghana’s penalty area shortly after the half hour mark, but was unable to get his shot away following a good run.

Jiovany Ramos eventually had the game’s second shot after 36 minutes, although his wayward effort from 20 yards out sailed high and wide.

Panama upped the tempo in the five minutes before the interval, yet still struggled to create further meaningful opportunities in the first 45.

Ghana had a free kick from the left hand side on the stroke of half time, but in what had become the game’s recurring theme they failed to capitalise on the situation.

And that theme continued for the Black Stars after the restart, but at least they finally had a shot this time – and one on target too – as Antoine Semenyo’s header was easily dealt with by Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.

And they had a further foray forward through Mensah’s deflected delivery, which failed to find a target in the penalty area.

Unfortunately for the three-time African Champions they lost goalkeeper Zigi to injury just prior to those attacks, with Benjamin Asare coming off the bench to take his place.

Martinez had Panama’s first meaningful chance of the second 45 on the hour, but wasted the game’s best chance by firing into the side netting after a poor first touch.

Quieroz’s side could have scored through Jordan Ayew had it not been for a timely challenge from Ramos, who was proving quite the thorn in Ghana’s attack.

And Semenyo had another shot in target immediately following the hydration break, which once again was easily gathered by Mosquera.

Adjei Adjetey then managed an effort of his own as Ghana began to grow into the game, but he was unable to connect cleanly with a header from a right-sided cross into the box.

Diaz managed Panama’s first shot on target with five minutes remaining, but like Semenyo’s weak efforts at the opposition goal it was easily dealt with by Asare.

But then the winner came as Jose Córdoba was beaten to a pass to the left by Brandon Thomas-Asante, who then cut into the penalty area and put it on a silver platter for Yirenkyi to slot the pass across goal into an empty net.

Diaz had an opportunity to snatch a leveller with almost the last kick of the game, but it was too feeble to beat Asare as the game finally came to an end beyond the 100th minute as Panama’s wait for a World Cup win goes on.

Analysis: Ghana just about best in low quality encounter

Few expected this to be an all-time classic, given Ghana’s failure to qualify for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations and Panama’s lack of World Cup pedigree – this being only their second appearance at the tournament since 2018.

And, well, it wasn’t. In fact, quality wise it was the worst match of the tournament.

But ultimately the result is no more than Ghana deserve. They played well in the second half following a torrid showing in the first, where they failed even to manage a shot, and by Yirenkyi’s winner felt like a matter of time in a lively last half hour.

Panama, meanwhile, will be rueing wasted opportunities after failing to make their pressure pay in what may well be the best chance to get points on the board in a challenging Group L that also contains England and Croatia.

They were the better team for much of this game, but having failed to convert their chances when they came they can have no complaints about the defeat despite how agonizing it is.

For more detailed reports, reaction, and analysis of the World Cup as it happens, head to our website and favourite our page on OneFootball.

Ghana – Panama Live Score