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 Minutes37 Touches19 Accurate Passes86% Pass Accuracy4 Touches In Opposition Box2 Recoveries2 Aerial Duels Won2 Ground Duels Won2 Passes Into Final Third1 Tackle1 Was Fouled1 Accurate Long Ball
Data courtesy of FotMob.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
