Ghana snatched a precious 1-0 victory over Panama with a stoppage-time goal to open their campaigns in Group 12 of the 2026 World Cup at Toronto's stadium in Canada.
The African side, coached by veteran Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz and appearing at the World Cup for the fifth time, collected three valuable points that boost their chances of advancing to the next round.
The match's only goal was scored by Caleb Yirenkyi in the 90th+5 minute.
Panama enjoyed a relative advantage in the first half and nearly opened the scoring early when Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi saved a dangerous attempt in the 2nd minute.
Panama's players appealed for a penalty in the 33rd minute following a collision between Cristian Martinez and Jerome Opoku inside the box, but the referee waved play on, before another shot from the Caribbean side flew over the crossbar in the 37th minute.
Ghana improved in the second half and presented a completely different face from the first, with Jordan Ayew squandering a clear-cut chance to take the lead in the 65th minute after a timely defensive intervention from Ramos, while a Mosquera header passed just wide of the post in the 73rd minute.
As the match appeared to be heading for a goalless draw, the referee signalled six additional minutes of stoppage time, and Ghana snatched the winner when Asante sent a low cross from the left flank that Caleb Yirenkyi met with a direct shot into the net.
With this victory, Ghana collected the first 3 points in the group ahead of their eagerly anticipated clash with England in the second round, while Panama face Croatia.