Ghana and DR Congo gave Africa another strong day at the FIFA World Cup 2026 — the Black Stars securing a dramatic late victory over Panama and the Leopards holding Portugal to a historic draw.
Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the 95th minute to seal a 1-0 win over Panama, while Yoane Wissa scored the Leopards’ first-ever World Cup goal in a 1-1 draw with Portugal.
In Toronto, Ghana needed a late intervention to avoid a stalemate. Panama were the better side for long stretches and could have taken the lead early on. Cecilio Waterman forced Lawrence Ati Zigi into a fine save, while Jiovany Ramos wasted another opening after a poor punch from the Ghana goalkeeper.
Ghana struggled to create in the first half and were repeatedly tested by a Panama side still searching for their first World Cup point.
Cristian Martinez came close again after the break, firing into the side netting after creating space inside the penalty area.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz made changes just before the hour, and the move almost paid off. Substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante burst down the flank and found Jordan Ayew, only for Ramos to make a crucial challenge on the line.
As the match entered stoppage time, both teams seemed headed for a draw. Then Ghana struck. Thomas-Asante found space again and squared the ball for Yirenkyi, who tapped home his first international goal in the 95th minute.
The winner handed Ghana all three points. The victory also marked another milestone for Queiroz, who became only the second coach after Bora Milutinovic to lead teams at five successive FIFA World Cups.
In Houston, DR Congo produced the day’s most significant result, holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw.
Portugal made a strong start and went ahead after just six minutes when Joao Neves headed home from Pedro Neto’s cross. They dominated possession early on, but DR Congo gradually settled and began threatening through Wissa and Arthur Masuaku.
Their breakthrough arrived in first-half stoppage time when Masuaku delivered a cross that Wissa met with a header. Wissa had just scored their first-ever goal at the tournament. It came 52 years after DR Congo’s only previous World Cup appearance in 1974. It was also their first World Cup point.
Portugal thought they had restored their lead shortly after halftime through Joao Cancelo’s spectacular overhead kick, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Cristiano Ronaldo, making his 23rd World Cup appearance, had chances to win the match but could not break down the Congolese defence.
“I’m obviously very proud today because we’ve worked extremely hard,” Wissa said after the match. “Scoring our first goal is a huge source of pride because it reflects the character of this team.”
DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre praised his players for executing the game plan and representing their country with pride.
