Yirenkyi’s late strike seals 1-0 victory in Toronto as Colombia ease past Uzbekistan 3-1 to top Group K

Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match at the FIFA World Cup in Toronto, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi.

The late goal sparked wild celebrations among Ghanaian supporters after a tightly contested encounter in which clear chances were scarce.

The Black Stars struggled to create opportunities for much of the game and failed to register a shot on target in the first half. Panama nearly took an early lead, but goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi produced a vital save to deny Cecilio Waterman.

Ghana showed more attacking intent after the break, but both sides appeared destined for a draw until Yirenkyi struck in the fifth minute of added time to seal all three points.

The victory marks a positive start for Ghana under veteran coach Carlos Queiroz, who recently took charge of the team. Queiroz also made history by becoming only the second coach to appear at five consecutive World Cups.

In Group K, Colombia defeated World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Liverpool forward Luis Díaz delivered a standout performance, contributing a goal and an assist to help his side claim all three points.

Díaz set up Daniel Muñoz for Colombia’s opener before Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal to level the match.

Colombia regained the lead through Díaz, before Jaminton Campaz sealed the win with a late header.

The result sends Colombia to the top of Group K, boosting their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage, while Ghana also begin their campaign on a winning note in Group L.