Antoine Semenyo completed all 90 minutes in Ghana’s FIFA World Cup group stage opener against Panama on Wednesday night.
Ghana kicked off their World Cup campaign with a dramatic, last-gasp 1-0 victory over Panama in a tense Group L encounter in Toronto, monopolising possession for vast stretches but repeatedly thwarted by a disciplined and meticulously organised rearguard.
While Thomas Christiansen’s side defended resolutely and threatened on the counter-attack – forcing Ghanaian goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi into a couple of sharp saves – the match appeared overwhelmingly destined to conclude in a frustrating, goalless stalemate.
However, the definitive breakthrough arrived five minutes into second-half stoppage time, shattering Panama’s stubborn resistance at the absolute death.
Reeling from late pressure, the Central Americans failed to track a brilliant burst from Brandon Thomas-Asante down the left, who carved open the penalty box and slid a perfectly weighted ball across the face of the six-yard box.
FC Nordsjælland’s rising 20-year-old midfield prodigy, Caleb Yirenkyi, timed his run flawlessly to bundle the ball home from close range, securing a vital three points for Carlos Queiroz’s men and sending the traveling Ghanaian support into raptures.
Antoine Semenyo match statistics vs Panama
90 Minutes
37 Touches
19 Accurate Passes
86% Pass Accuracy
4 Touches In Opposition Box
2 Recoveries
2 Aerial Duels Won
2 Ground Duels Won
2 Passes Into Final Third
1 Tackle
1 Was Fouled
1 Accurate Long Ball
Data courtesy of FotMob.