Ghana has progressed into the FIFA Under-20 World Cup round of 16 after defeating Panama 1-0 at North Harbour Stadium this afternoon.
The Ghanaians advanced atop Group B after a free-flowing encounter, surviving an onslaught of attack from a desperate Panamanian side, who head home after picking up just onepoint in their three group games.
In the first match between the two nations at any level, Ghana had the better of an action-packed yet scoreless first half, having 11 shots at goal as they looked to pepper Panama goalkeeper Jaime De Gracia.
Both sides were attacking with intent, and with Panama needing a win to progress they ratcheted up the pressure in the second spell as Ismael Diaz and Jhamal Rodriguez both came close to putting the Central American side in front.
De Gracia kept his side in the contest on the 72nd minute mark with a brilliant fingertip save onto the post from a vicious Benjamin Tetteh strike, but a defensive mix-up saw him left with little chance ten minutes later.
A misplaced pass in the Panama defence saw substitute Emmanuel Boateng latch onto the ball in a dangerous position, and he lashed home a great finish from outside of the box into the bottom right corner to give Ghana the lead.
Panama had a late chance to garner something from the encounter when awarded an 88th minute penalty, but striker Fidel Escobar slipped and blasted the spot-kick over the bar, ending their slim hopes of qualification.
