Ghana seeks victory against Panama in stoppage time in World Cup debut

Ghana played a game below expectations, but managed to beat Panama 1-0 with a late goal in the teams' debut game in Group L of the World Cup.

The game wasn't very bright - far from it -, but the result was fundamental for the African team, which intends to go to the knockout stage.

The game
Despite the individual talent of the Ghana players, it was Panama who appeared to be in more danger in the first half of the match. The Latin team accumulated chances, and Ati Zigi was required to protect the Ghanaian goal. Waterman, Blackman, Cristian Martínez and Puma Rodríguez appeared in the area and scared the opposing defense.

In Ghana's best finish in the first half, Sulemana pedaled towards the marker and the referee ruled it offside. In the final minutes, the full-back launched a counterattack and sent Nuamah into action. He received it back and, when it was time to finish, he shot very far from the goal.

After the break, Panama's dominance persisted, but Mensah made Mosquera work with a closed cross from the left. The goalkeeper jumped, and the ball passed through the small area with no one to finish.

Panama fans shouted goal after a great finish by Martínez. During the hit and run inside the area, the midfielder had the ball and finished, but was stopped at the moment of the shot and the ball hit the net from the outside.

Before the hydration break, the Ghana players called for a penalty from Córdoba on Opoku, after a ball crossed into the area. The ball rolled again without VAR intervention.

Gana loosened up and started to arrive later in the match. At 27, Ayew took a free kick and Adjetey headed it close to Mosquera's post. At 44, Thomas-Asante sent a cross and the goalkeeper made the save, but the referee already signaled it was offside.

The pressure worked with two minutes to go before the final whistle. At 29, Caleb Yirenkyi received a cross from Thomas-Asanta practically under the crossbar to make it 1-0.

The excitement didn't end there. In the final minute, goalkeeper Mosquera went to the area and headed in an attempt to equalize, but the defense prevented the shot.

Next games
In the next round, Ghana faces England on Tuesday (23), at 5pm, and Panama, Croatia, at BMO Field, at 8pm. The teams faced each other this Wednesday in a game, and England won 4-2.

Standings provided by Sofascore

Source: CNN