C. Yirenkyi, who had been booked in the 16th minute, proved the decisive figure at BMO Field, converting in the 90+5th minute to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Panama. The goal came from a move involving substitute B. Thomas-Asante, who provided the assist. It was a result that defied the run of play: Panama held 64 percent possession and registered three shots to Ghana's one, with neither side managing to trouble the goalkeeper for most of the match. Ghana's solitary shot did not find the target in regulation, making Yirenkyi's late finish all the more significant.

The three points move Ghana off the mark in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Panama remain on zero after the opening round of fixtures. Both sides made multiple changes across the second half as the match wore on, with Ghana introducing five substitutes in total. Panama were reduced to a frustrated finish, picking up a yellow card in the 90+10th minute through C. Harvey after the goal had already been conceded.