In chilly conditions in Toronto, Caleb Yirenkyi scored a stoppage-time winner to give Ghana a 1-0 win over Panama in a World Cup game on Wednesday.
Ghana launched a quick counter-attack where Brandon Thomas-Asante charged forward before playing a precise pass for Yirenkyi, who tapped home in the fifth minute of extra time for his first international goal.
Backed by a passionate sea of red-clad supporters, Panama started brightly and looked the more dangerous side for much of the first half. They played with energy and purpose in attack, while Ghana struggled to get going and failed to find any real rhythm until after the break.
Despite enjoying most of the possession before half-time, Panama could not make their dominance count. The defeat leaves them with plenty of work to do if they are to progress from the group stage, something they also failed to do in their only previous World Cup appearance in 2018.
Ghana goalkeeper Ati Zigi was the standout performer in the first half. He commanded his penalty area confidently and kept Panama at bay while his team-mates failed to register a single shot on target.
However, Zigi did not return for the second half after suffering a knock in a collision shortly before the break.
Following a hydration break that was loudly booed by fans despite light rain falling, Panama continued to push forward in search of a goal but could not find a breakthrough.
The Central Americans appealed for a penalty when Cristian Martinez went down inside the box, claiming Jerome Opoku had made contact, but the referee waved away their protests.
After receiving treatment near the end of the first half, Zigi was replaced by Benjamin Asare. As the game opened up, Ghana began to grow into the contest and looked much more threatening.
Panama came close to taking the lead in the 60th minute when Martinez fired into the side-netting from a tight angle.
At the other end, Ghana nearly scored through Jonas Adjetey, whose powerful header forced a fine save from goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera.
Brandon Thomas-Asante then delivered an excellent low cross for Jordan Ayew, but Panama defender Jiovany made a crucial intervention to divert the ball just wide of the post.
A second hydration break later in the match was again met with loud boos from the crowd.
After the final whistle, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz walked onto the pitch and acknowledged the section of Ghana supporters who had provided vocal backing throughout the game.
Ghana will be boosted by the return of key midfielder Thomas Partey for their next Group L match against England in Boston on June 23. Panama, meanwhile, will face Croatia in Toronto on the same day.
