Ghana 1-0 Panama: 20-year-old rising star scores 95th-minute winner, Panama misses historic first World Cup point

A World Cup Group L first-round clash concluded on June 18 Beijing time, with Ghana snatching a 1-0 win over Panama thanks to a stoppage-time decider. The opening period saw just a single shot on goal. In the second half, Ayew failed to convert a clear opportunity, Asante squandered a breakaway, and 20-year-old Ilenki scored the decisive goal in the 95th minute. Panama's hopes of earning their first World Cup point were dashed, extending their winless streak to four games.

After the first round, England and Ghana each have 3 points, while Panama and Croatia are on 0 points. In the next matches, England will take on Ghana, and Panama will face Croatia.

[Key Moment]

In the 95th minute, Asante delivered a cross from the left and Ilenki tapped in from close range to complete the winner.

[Match Highlights]

In the first minute, Murillo sent a low cross from the right, and Waterman struck on the volley from the center of the box, but the goalkeeper made a diving save.

In the 33rd minute, Martinez controlled a long pass in the box, collided with Opoku and went down. The referee deemed it a fair challenge and waved play on.

In the 37th minute, Panama crossed from the right. Ati Zigi punched the ball clear. Ramos collected it outside the box, drove into the area, and fired over the bar.

In the 41st minute, Ghana goalkeeper Zigi sat on the pitch indicating abdominal discomfort. After receiving medical attention, he got up and continued playing.

In the 48th minute, Adjetey's header was gathered by the goalkeeper, marking Ghana's first shot on target of the match.

In the 60th minute, Christian Martinez shot from a tight angle on the right side of the box, hitting the side netting.

In the 66th minute, Ghana came close to scoring. Jordan Ayew faced an open goal, but a defender made a crucial clearance to divert the ball over the byline.

In the 75th minute, Adjetey leaped for a header in the box, the ball grazing the post and going wide.

In the 89th minute, Ghana missed a one-on-one chance. Asante, alone in the box against the keeper, saw his shot saved.

[Match Statistics]

[Player Ratings]

[Lineups]

Ghana starting lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: 1-Ati Zigi (46' 16-Benjamin Asare)

Defenders: 26-Senaya, 4-Adjetey, 18-Opoku, 14-Gideon Mensah

Defensive midfielders: 3-Ilenki, 15-Owusu (78' 8-Kwasi Sibo)

Midfielders: 24-Nuamah (58' 7-Fatawu), 9-Jordan Ayew (87' 25-Prince Adu), 11-Semenyo

Forward: 22-Sulemana (58' 10-Thomas-Asante)

Substitutes not used: 12-Joseph Anan, 2-Saidu, 6-Mumin, 17-Rahman Baba, 21-Peprah Oppong, 23-Lucassen, 20-Boakye, 13-Bonsu Ba, 19-Inaki Williams

Panama starting lineup (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper: 22-Mosquera

Defenders: 3-Jose Cordoba, 13-Giovanni Ramos, 16-Andrade

Midfielders: 2-Blackman (90' 20-Godoy), 14-Carlos Harvey, 6-Christian Martinez (63' 24-Londono), 23-Murillo

Attacking midfielders: 7-Jose Luis Rodriguez (74' 10-Ismael Diaz), 11-Barcenas

Forward: 18-Cecil Waterman (63' 17-Fajardo)

Substitutes not used: 1-Mejia, 12-Cesar Samudio, 4-Escobar, 5-Farinha, 8-Carrasquilla, 15-Eric Davis, 25-Roderick Miller, 26-Jorge Gutierrez, 19-Alberto Quintero, 21-Cesar Yanis, 9-Thomas Rodriguez