TORONTO - Caleb Yirenkyi scored deep into stoppage time to earn Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama in World Cup Group L on Wednesday, earning the African side a crucial three points in their bid to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010.
Yirenkyi’s goal came in the 95th minute after Thomas-Asante skipped past Panama defender Jose Cordoba and played a pass into the area, which the 20-year-old Yirenkyi bundled home. Panama threw everyone forward for a late free kick in a desperate attempt to get an equaliser, but Ghana hung on.
Cecilio Waterman’s curling strike in the second minute forced an excellent save from Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, who was replaced by Benjamin Asare at the start of the second half due to injury.
Ghana next face Group L leaders England. Panama will try to secure their first World Cup win when they take on Croatia.
