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 one point 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.
