Yirenkyi's stoppage-time strike lifts Ghana to World Cup win and breaks Panama hearts

The match appeared destined for a goalless draw until deep into added time when Brandon Thomas-Asante surged down the left flank, beat his defender and delivered a low cross into the box, where Yirenkyi was on hand to convert from close range.

It was a tough blow for Panama, who nearly made the perfect start when Cecilio Waterman tested Lawrence Ati Zigi inside the opening two minutes, forcing the Ghana goalkeeper into a sharp save to tip his effort over the crossbar.

The chances remained scarce, but Panama threatened again after the break. Cristian Martinez came closest when he fired into the side-netting from close range after finding space inside the penalty area.

As the clock ticked down, Panama pushed numbers forward in search of a breakthrough. Goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera even joined a late attacking set-piece and helped create one final opportunity, heading the ball on to Ismael Diaz, whose effort was comfortably gathered by Ghana substitute goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.

Yirenkyi's winner is the latest match-winning goal scored at the World Cup and keeps Queiroz's side firmly in contention heading into a much tougher Group L assignment against group leaders England in Boston on Tuesday.

Speaking after the match, coach Carlos Queiroz expressed pride in his team's fighting spirit and smart strategy, saying they showed tremendous fight to secure a hard-fought victory.

"We battled like warriors. We won the game with our brains. They [Panama] know how to play. We knew they would control the game. But step by step, our strategy was to let them come. This is the way to win."

"With the football we played today we can count on Ghana to do something." 

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