The winning goal came in added time and left the Panamanians without points in their return to the World Cup. The match was balanced from the beginning. Panama, led by Thomas Christiansen, presented a compact block and sought to come out with quick transitions, but had a hard time generating clear danger against a well-organized Ghana.
The Black Stars, under the leadership of Carlos Queiroz, dominated possession in several sections and pressed high, although they lacked precision in the final meters for much of the game.
The first half ended goalless. In the second half, both teams increased the intensity, but the clearest chances were few. Panama resisted with defensive solidity, with an outstanding performance by its central defenders and goalkeeper.
When the match seemed to be heading towards a tie, Ghana found the winning goal at minute 90+5. Brandon Thomas-Asante burst down the left and sent in a low cross that Caleb Yirenkyi pushed into the back of the net. It was a score that sparked celebration among the Ghanaian fans present in Toronto.
With this victory, Ghana adds its first three points in Group L, which also includes England and Croatia. Panama, which was making its debut in this World Cup after participating in Qatar 2022, was left without points despite showing a competitive image.
The result leaves Ghana with an initial advantage in the group and forces Panama to add in their next matches to keep alive their chances of advancing to the round of 16.6.