TORONTO - Caleb Yirenkyi scored deep into stoppage time to give Ghana a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in an intense and entertaining World Cup encounter.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Ghana launched a swift counter-attack in the fifth minute of added time. Brandon Thomas-Asante surged forward and delivered a precise pass into the box, allowing Yirenkyi to tap home his first competitive international goal and spark jubilant celebrations among Ghana's supporters.
Panama controlled much of the first half and looked the more threatening side, but failed to capitalize on their dominance. Ghana struggled to create chances before improving significantly after the interval.
Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi was instrumental in keeping Ghana level before halftime, producing several commanding interventions. However, the shot-stopper was unable to continue after suffering an injury following a collision late in the opening half and was replaced by Benjamin Asare.
Panama continued to press and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 60th minute when Cristian Martinez struck the side-netting from a tight angle. They also appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after Martinez went down under pressure from Jerome Opoku.
Ghana nearly scored through Jonas Adjetey's header, which was brilliantly saved by Orlando Mosquera, before Yirenkyi ultimately settled the contest in dramatic fashion.
"The wins in this World Cup are very expensive," Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said. "Our players have shown they are ready to pay a high price for victory."
Ghana next face England on June 23 in Boston, while Panama will take on Croatia in Toronto.
Kane Equals Lineker Record as England Beat Croatia 4-2
Harry Kane scored twice to equal Gary Lineker's England World Cup scoring record as the Three Lions launched their campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in the Group L clash.
Kane's brace took his World Cup tally to 10 goals, matching Lineker's long-standing national record. The England captain opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute before restoring his side's lead with a powerful header just before halftime.
Croatia, however, refused to back down. Martin Baturina leveled in the 36th minute and Petar Musa struck moments before the break after Kane's second goal had put England ahead.
England raised their game after halftime, with Jude Bellingham producing a superb solo effort in the 47th minute to make it 3-2. Marcus Rashford then sealed victory five minutes from time after being set up by Bukayo Saka.
Despite defensive lapses that allowed Croatia back into the contest, England's attacking quality proved decisive as Thomas Tuchel's side secured three valuable points and an ideal start to their World Cup campaign.
Diaz Inspires Colombia to Winning Start Against Uzbekistan
Luis Diaz scored a goal and provided an assist as Colombia opened their World Cup Group K campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan.
Daniel Munoz gave Colombia the lead in the 40th minute after being set up by Diaz, who was a constant threat throughout the contest. Uzbekistan responded strongly after the break and made history when Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored the nation's first-ever World Cup goal in the 60th minute.
Colombia quickly regained control, with Diaz restoring the lead five minutes later after a precise pass from Gustavo Puerta. Substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed the victory with a late goal as the South Americans secured all three points.
Despite a spirited display from Uzbekistan, Colombia's superior quality and attacking depth proved decisive. The win extended Colombia's impressive World Cup group-stage record and provided an ideal start to their campaign.
Austria Edge Jordan 3-1 in World Cup Opener
Substitute Marko Arnautovic played a decisive role as Austria celebrated their return to the World Cup after 28 years with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over debutants Jordan in Group J on Tuesday.
Romano Schmid gave Austria the lead in the 21st minute with a superb long-range strike, but Jordan responded impressively after the break when Ali Olwan fired a stunning effort in off the post to level the score.
The introduction of veteran forward Arnautovic proved pivotal. His pressure forced defender Yazan Al Arab into an own goal in the 76th minute, restoring Austria's advantage. Arnautovic then sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty.
Jordan impressed with their pace and determination, creating several dangerous counterattacks and pushing Austria throughout the contest. The victory moves Austria into second place in Group J behind defending champions Argentina. Austria next face Argentina, while Jordan will look to bounce back against Algeria.
