Ghana has drawn level with Nigeria as the African nation with the most victories in FIFA World Cup history after securing a dramatic late win over Panama. The Black Stars' 1-0 triumph in Toronto, sealed by substitute Caleb Yirenkyi's stoppage-time goal, marked their sixth World Cup win, matching the Super Eagles' record.
Ghana's Historic Achievement
Carlos Queiroz's side left it until the dying moments to claim a hard-fought victory, with Yirenkyi scoring his first international goal deep into added time. The win not only boosted Ghana's hopes of reaching the knockout stages but also saw the four-time African champions join Nigeria on six World Cup victories. Interestingly, Ghana achieved this milestone in fewer matches than Nigeria.
While the Super Eagles have accumulated six wins in 21 World Cup matches, Ghana reached the same mark in only 16 games. Cameroon and Senegal are next on the list with five wins each, while Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, also have five victories from 23 appearances.
Dramatic Victory Over Panama
According to ESPN, the Black Stars were forced to work hard for all three points against a stubborn Panama side seeking their first-ever World Cup point. Panama threatened early when Amir Murillo's cross found Cecilio Waterman, but goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi produced a brilliant diving save. The Central Americans continued to trouble Ghana, with Jiovany Ramos firing over and Cristian Martinez flashing an effort into the side netting.
Queiroz turned to his bench shortly before the hour mark, and Brandon Thomas-Asante almost created an immediate opening, squaring for Jordan Ayew only for Ramos to make a vital intervention. With both teams seemingly heading for a draw, Thomas-Asante again became the creator, surging into the penalty area before cutting the ball back for Yirenkyi, who calmly tapped home in the fifth minute of added time. The goal sparked wild celebrations among Ghanaian supporters and condemned Panama to another painful defeat.
Semenyo Speaks After Dramatic Victory
Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo admitted the players were overwhelmed with emotion after the dramatic winner. Speaking to FIFA after the match, the Ghana international said: "Ninety minutes plus five... I don't even know how to describe that emotion." He added: "We were all so relieved because we knew how important this game was for us and also because it gives us a confidence boost going into the next game."
Semenyo praised Panama's physical style and explained that Ghana enjoyed the challenge. "They had some quite big guys, to be honest, but we like that physicality. That's what we thrive off and I thought it was a really good match-up today." The forward, who was named Player of the Match, insisted the Black Stars must not become complacent. "I am so happy to say that we've got that win, but we can't take our foot off the gas. We now have two important games and big challenges ahead of us."
England Test Awaits Ghana
After the outing in Toronto, next up for Ghana is a mouth-watering encounter against England, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia. Semenyo acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge ahead. "It is going to be really tough and that is why we needed this win and the confidence to potentially help us into the next round." The striker believes the current squad possesses enough quality to compete with anyone. "We feel like with this team, we've got talent, we've got a point to prove, and I feel like that's the driving force for us."
The clash with England will also reunite Semenyo with several players he knows from the Premier League. However, the Ghana star insisted friendships would be put aside. "Of course, they're my friends and there's love there, but now it's just time to focus. We had a little bit of banter before we left for the World Cup, but I don't think there is going to be any more." The former Bristol City forward added that he intends to fully concentrate on the tournament. "I don't think I will be texting anybody from the England team. If they text me, then I'll reply. But it's a serious competition, so it is just time to lock in."
Bettor Loses Huge Fortune on Ghana
Legit.ng earlier reported that a football bettor suffered a devastating loss after staking $840,000 on Ghana failing to defeat Panama. The wager could have produced a payout worth around $1.4 million (approximately ₦1.9 billion), but Yirenkyi's stoppage-time winner ensured the entire stake was wiped out.
