Ghana Stuns Panama With 95th-Minute Winner in Toronto

Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto after Caleb Yirchi scored from close range in the 95th minute, sealing a dramatic late victory for the Black Stars. The goal came in one of the final actions of the match and left Panama, a Central American side that had looked dangerous and created several promising chances, empty-handed after coming so close to a historic point.

The match was part of the 2026 World Cup. Ghana did not play especially well, but still managed to take all three points, a result that highlighted how the tournament can still produce surprise outcomes even in games that may not draw major attention at first. The victory was described as a big lift for Ghana, while Panama was left with heartbreak.

Ghana is no longer viewed as one of Africa’s elite national teams, and memories of Asamoah Gyan and its 2010 World Cup golden generation are now distant. It also failed to qualify for the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. Even so, it showed it can win ugly against one of the tournament’s weaker teams.

Panama, meanwhile, was playing in only its second World Cup, eight years after its 2018 debut, when it lost heavily to England, Belgium and Tunisia. This time it looked improved and more experienced. Former Maccabi Tel Aviv goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera was excellent, and former Kiryat Shmona midfielder Christian Martinez was active and troubled the Ghanaian defense, helping Panama control the first half. Ghana grew stronger as the game wore on and finally capitalized at the end.