Ghana strike late to deny Panama first World Cup point
Ghana needed a stoppage-time winner to claim three points in their opening game of the World Cup against Panama.
Caleb Yirenkyi netted deep into stoppage time to give Ghana the win and leave Panama with a mountain to climb to avoid finishing bottom of Group L.
Both teams went into the game knowing the importance of it, with England and Croatia heavy favourites to take the top two spots. They knew that a win would put them into second place after England’s 4-2 win over Croatia earlier in the day.
That resulted in a cagey first half but Panama’s Cecilio Waterman did at least test Lawrence Ati Zigi in the Ghana net with a half-volley.
Panama’s Christian Martinez almost broke the deadlock at the start of the second half but his shot found the side netting.
Ghana finally showed some attacking intent though, and Jordan Ayew thought he had put the Black Stars ahead from close range, but Jiovany Ramos’s sensational sliding block denied him.
Just as the game was looking to head for a goalless draw, Brandon Thomas-Asante drove down the left before squaring to Yirenkyi who had an easy finish into the empty net.
Cover Photo: FIFA World Cup 2014 by Mariya Butd used under license by CC BY 2.0.
