Ghana’s first-choice goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, is in a race against time to be fit for the Black Stars’ crucial second Group L match against England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The St. Gallen shot-stopper sustained an injury during Ghana’s opening fixture against Panama on Wednesday and was forced off at halftime in the team’s hard-fought 1-0 victory in Toronto.
Ati-Zigi required treatment on three separate occasions during the first half, including a lengthy stoppage after a heavy collision with Panama midfielder Carlos Harvey while challenging for an aerial ball inside the penalty area.
The goalkeeper appeared to be struggling in the closing stages of the first half, repeatedly looking towards the bench as he battled to continue. Concerned about his condition, Ghana’s technical team opted to replace him at the break with locally based goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
Asare rose to the occasion, delivering a composed performance between the posts as Ghana held firm before snatching a dramatic late winner.
The decisive goal came in the closing stages when Caleb Yirenkyi tapped home from close range after an excellent attacking move. Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante was the architect, using his pace and energy to burst down the right flank before delivering a dangerous ball across the six-yard box for Yirenkyi to finish into an empty net.
The victory handed Ghana a perfect start to their World Cup campaign and leaves the Black Stars second in Group L, level on points with England but behind the European giants on goal difference.
With a high-stakes encounter against England looming, Ghana will now anxiously await updates on Ati-Zigi’s condition, hoping the experienced goalkeeper can recover in time for one of the biggest matches of their World Cup campaign.
