Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring deep into stoppage time to hand the Black Stars a memorable start to their campaign.
The late winner sparked wild celebrations among thousands of Ghanaian supporters in Toronto after a fiercely contested encounter that appeared destined to end goalless.
Panama threatened early when Cecilio Waterman tested goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi in the second minute, but clear-cut opportunities remained scarce throughout a cagey first half in which Ghana failed to register a shot on target.
Played under persistent rain, the second half produced greater urgency from both sides. Panama came close to breaking the deadlock in the 60th minute when Cristian Martinez fired into the side-netting, drawing a huge reaction from the travelling supporters.
However, just as the match seemed headed for a draw, Yirenkyi bundled home the decisive goal in the fifth minute of added time to secure all three points for Ghana.
Veteran coach Carlos Queiroz, who only took charge of the Black Stars months before the tournament, celebrated passionately with supporters after the dramatic winner. The Portuguese tactician also made history as only the second coach to feature at five consecutive World Cups, following spells with Portugal and Iran.
Ghana achieved the victory despite the absence of midfielder Thomas Partey, who was unavailable for the tournament after Canadian authorities denied him a visa due to ongoing legal proceedings in Britain.
Diaz Leads Colombia Past World Cup Debutants
In Group K, Luis Diaz delivered a standout performance as Colombia defeated World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The Bayern Munich forward was at the heart of Colombia’s attacking display, contributing a goal, an assist and striking the woodwork as the South Americans opened their campaign in style.
Diaz’s superb lofted pass set up Daniel Munoz for the opening goal in the 40th minute, but Uzbekistan responded through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, whose historic strike became his country’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Colombia restored their lead through Diaz, whose effort slipped past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov, before Jaminton Campaz sealed the victory with a late header.
The result sends Colombia to the top of Group K ahead of Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
