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Ghana's Yirenkyi Scores 95th-Minute Winner, Climbs to Group L Second

6/18/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Yirenkyi Secures Victory

Ghana beat Panama 1-0 on June 18 with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring in the 95th minute.
Brandon Thomas-Asante crossed from the left to create Caleb Yirenkyi’s late winner.
After Lawrence Ati-Zigi left at halftime, Benjamin Asare took over as goalkeeper.
Thomas Partey missed the match after Canada denied his visa because of UK legal issues.
The win moved Ghana to second in Group L behind England on goal difference, leaving Panama third.

Summary

Ayew Sets Record

Jordan Ayew, 34 years and 279 days, became Ghana’s oldest World Cup player, beating Denis Odoi’s record.
Ghana’s FIFA ranking slipped to 73rd, showing a steep decline.
After a goalless first half, Queiroz changed Ghana’s shape to a 4-4-2, adding Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Panama captain Añibal Godoy reached 159 caps, the most in national history, while manager Thomas Christiansen has overseen the team for almost six years.

History

Historical Context

In 2006 Ghana qualified for its first FIFA World Cup, becoming the only African side to reach the Round of 16 after a 2-1 extra-time win over the United States. The success drew on 1960s African Cup of Nations dominance and a 2001 youth squad that formed the senior core. FIFA ranked Ghana 13th that year, a benchmark echoed in today’s Group L struggle.

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Yirenkyi Secures Victory

Ghana beat Panama 1-0 on June 18 with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring in the 95th minute.
Brandon Thomas-Asante crossed from the left to create Caleb Yirenkyi’s late winner.
After Lawrence Ati-Zigi left at halftime, Benjamin Asare took over as goalkeeper.
Thomas Partey missed the match after Canada denied his visa because of UK legal issues.
The win moved Ghana to second in Group L behind England on goal difference, leaving Panama third.

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