Ghana Stuns Panama With Stoppage-Time Winner at Toronto Stadium
A late goal secured a dramatic 1-0 victory Wednesday night, keeping Ghana's World Cup hopes alive in Group L.
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Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 Wednesday night at Toronto Stadium with a stoppage-time goal, delivering a crucial victory in the team's first FIFA World Cup match of the tournament.
The result gives Ghana three points and places it second in Group L behind England, ahead of Panama and Croatia. Supporters erupted both inside the stadium and outside at Sankofa Square and the FIFA Fan Festival, with celebrations continuing long after the final whistle as fans sang, danced, and waved Ghanaian flags.
"That was so surprising. That was so huge," one Ghana supporter told reporters after the match. "It was marvellous, fun, happy. All of a sudden, you know, because we never did believe it. But they showed they came in, so we were really happy."
The victory comes after England beat Croatia earlier in the day, setting up a tightly contested group heading into the next round of fixtures. Ghana's win means the Black Stars remain firmly in contention for a knockout-stage spot, with a high-profile matchup against England still ahead.
Wednesday's match marked the second FIFA World Cup men's game hosted at Toronto Stadium and drew thousands of supporters from both Ghana and Panama. The day began with fan marches through the city and cultural celebrations before culminating in one of the tournament's most dramatic finishes.