Caleb Yirenkyi scored deep into stoppage time as Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening World Cup match on Wednesday night.
The winning goal came in the fifth minute of second-half added time from a move Ghana had repeatedly worked on during its World Cup preparations.
Brandon Thomas-Asante broke free down the left flank and delivered a low cross across the face of goal. Yirenkyi met it with a simple finish, sparking celebrations among his teammates as they rushed onto the field to embrace the two players.
"We try to get the ball to the wings, put it into the box and have players making runs to finish," said the 20-year-old Yirenkyi, who scored his first international goal earlier this month in a friendly against Wales.
"I just tried to keep moving forward and get into the box. The ball came to me and I finished it."
Ghana played without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry into Canada while awaiting trial on rape charges in England.
The defeat denied Panama what would have been its first-ever World Cup point.
The first half offered few clear opportunities. The only shot on target came in the second minute when Panama forward Cecilio Waterman connected with a low cross from Amir Murillo and directed an effort toward goal from the centre of the penalty area. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi reacted quickly to push the ball away.
Ati-Zigi was involved in a couple of heavy collisions and was substituted at halftime. He was replaced by Benjamin Asare. Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz said the goalkeeper would undergo further assessment on Thursday.
The victory moved Ghana to the top of Group L alongside England, which defeated Croatia 4-2 earlier in the day.
After a largely cautious opening hour at a rainy BMO Field, the match became more open, with both teams creating chances.
In the 65th minute, Thomas-Asante broke through Panama's defence and sent a pass across the six-yard box toward Jordan Ayew. However, defender Jiovany Ramos produced a timely tackle to prevent a certain goal.
Antoine Semenyo, who initiated the winning move with a pass to Thomas-Asante, said Ghana struggled in the opening half before improving after the break.
"Panama had a very good first half. They kept the ball well and we struggled with our press," Semenyo said. "But in the second half we found more energy, pressed higher and caused them problems, and that eventually led to the winning goal."