For more than 90 minutes, Ghana and Panama appeared headed for a draw. Then came stoppage time.
A late winner at Toronto Stadium sent Ghana supporters into jubilation on Wednesday night, securing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in the country’s first FIFA World Cup match.
The result gives Ghana a crucial three points in Group L and keeps its hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds firmly alive as it’s placed second in the group behind England and ahead of Panama and Croatia.
Inside the stadium, supporters erupted as the ball hit the back of the net. Outside, celebrations continued long after the final whistle as fans sang, danced and waved Ghanaian flags through the streets surrounding the venue, especially Sankofa Square and the fan zone at the FIFA Fan Festival.
Late goal sparks emotional celebrations
Many supporters admitted they weren’t expecting the dramatic finish.
“That was so surprising. That was so huge,” one Ghana supporter told Now Toronto 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.”
Others credited both the atmosphere and the team’s resilience.
“We came with the energy, and the boys [were] awesome. The victory was great,” another supporter said.
Ghana keeps knockout hopes alive
The victory could prove pivotal in what is shaping up to be a competitive group in the tournament, especially after England beat Croatia earlier in the day. Which left Group L tightly contested heading into the next round of fixtures.
Ghana’s win means the Black Stars remain firmly in the hunt for a place in the knockout stage, with a high-profile matchup against England still to come.
Supporters were already looking ahead.
“We know our boys can do it for us, so we’re so proud of them, and we are so happy,” one fan said after the match.
“We know they are gonna do it. We are looking forward to the next game.”
Toronto embraces another World Cup night
Wednesday’s match marked the second FIFA World Cup game hosted at Toronto Stadium and drew thousands of supporters from both Ghana and Panama.
The day began with fan marches through the city, cultural celebrations at Sankofa Square and watch parties across Toronto before culminating in one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes so far.
For Ghana supporters, it was a night that turned from nervous anticipation into pure celebration.
And thanks to a stoppage-time winner, it’s a result they won’t soon forget.
