Ghana and Colombia secured important opening victories in their World Cup Group stage matches.
In Toronto, Ghana edged Panama 1-0 in a tense Group L encounter decided deep into stoppage time. Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the winner in the 95th minute, sparking celebrations among Ghanaian supporters. The match remained tight throughout, with both sides struggling to create clear chances in the first half. Panama came closest early on through Cecilio Waterman, while Ghana failed to register a shot on target before the break. Conditions improved slightly after half-time, but it appeared the game was heading for a draw until the late breakthrough.
Ghana, coached by Carlos Queiroz, managed to hold firm defensively despite pressure from Panama. The result marked a dramatic start to their campaign in Canada.
In the other fixture reported by PUNCH, Colombia defeated World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in Mexico City. Luis Diaz played a decisive role, providing an assist, scoring, and hitting the post in a dominant display.
Daniel Munoz opened the scoring from Diaz’s lofted pass before Uzbekistan levelled through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who reacted quickest to a rebound for his country’s first World Cup goal. Diaz restored Colombia’s lead with a strike that slipped past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov, before Jaminton Campaz sealed the win with a late header.
The result placed Colombia top of their group, which also includes Portugal and DR Congo, who played out a 1-1 draw earlier.
