A late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi has earned Ghana a 1-0 win over Panama and joint leadership of Group L along with England.
Yirenki steered in Brandon Thomas-Asante's cross in added time to settle a match of few clear chances on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).
Ghana played without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry into Canada while he awaits trial on rape charges in England, while the late goal denied Panama their first World Cup point.
Cecilio Waterman forced a good save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi in the second minute as he latched on to a cross from the right, but it was a rare opening in a cagey first half in the Toronto rain.
Panama had the best of the opening period, Cristian Martinez having a penalty appeal waved away as he tried to latch on to a ball over the top and Jiovany Ramos firing high and wide after Ati-Zigi had acrobatically punched into his path.
