W’Cup: Ghana beat Panama 1-0, Diaz shine in Colombia 3-1 win over Uzbekistan

Ghana secured a late, dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match of the World Cup Group L clash in Toronto. Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the decisive goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, igniting celebrations among the Ghanaian fans present.

The match itself was a hard-fought, attritional contest, with both teams struggling to create clear chances for much of the game. Panama striker Cecilio Waterma's early attempt was saved, and Ghana's offense failed to register a shot on goal in the first half. Despite steady rain in the second half, sustained attacking play remained elusive until Yirenkyi's late intervention.

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Ghana won a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening World Cup Group L clash in Toronto on Wednesday. Caleb Yirenkyi bundled in the winning goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending thousands of Ghanaians in Canada’s largest city into a frenzy and settling an otherwise attritional battle.

Ghana's veteran coach, Carlos Queiroz, celebrated the win, marking a personal milestone as he became only the second coach in history to appear in five consecutive World Cups. His coaching career spans stints with Portugal, Iran, and now Ghana.

In another Group K match, Colombia began their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 win over debutants Uzbekistan. Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz was instrumental in Colombia's victory, providing an assist and scoring a goal. Daniel Munoz opened the scoring for Colombia, but Uzbekistan equalized with their first-ever World Cup goal. Diaz then put Colombia back in front, and Jaminton Campaz sealed the win with a late header. The victory placed Colombia at the top of their group.

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Diaz’s superb lofted pass allowed Daniel Munoz to volley in after 40 minutes, but Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalized with his nation’s maiden World Cup goal as he reacted first to head in a rebound from Eldor Shomurodov’s saved volley. Diaz put Colombia back into the lead as he fired a shot that Uzbek goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov should have stopped. In the dying seconds Jaminton Campaz made it three for Colombia with a fine header.