Ghana looked to all in the world like they were headed to a drab draw, but for youngster Caleb Yirenki to sneak in at the backpost and strike a dagger straight into the hearts of the Panamanians, and give the Black Stars an improbable win to kickstart their campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Having failed to even register a shot on target in the first half, Carlos Queiroz waved a magic wand with a series of substitutions in the second half, and it was from the foot of one of his new key wide men that the winner came, as Coventry City’s Brandon Thomas-Asante whipped in a cross from the left in the 95th minute for Yirenki to tap in the hammer blow.It was the stuff of dreams, as the young 20-year-old, recently called up to the squad, marked an unforgettable debut in the World Cup with a first competitive goal, having only scored before in a friendly against Wales in Cardiff.
impendingQuieroz, the mastermind summoned to save the Black Stars from what looked like an impeding collapse pre-tournament, ran through the field at the final whistle, having engineered one of the biggest, greatest nights for Ghana, given the game trend, and the tribulations beforehand. More to follow…