Ghana lose a key man at customs before kickoff

Some teams lose a player to injury. Ghana have lost one to border control. Their most prominent midfielder won't feature against Panama after Canadian authorities refused him entry — he's awaiting trial on serious criminal charges, having pleaded not guilty to all counts. With the match in Toronto, that absence is locked in before a whistle sounds.

The timing stings, because Ghana already arrive short of answers. One draw and four defeats in their last five: D1-1 with Wales, then beaten in turn by Mexico, Germany, Austria and South Korea. Caleb Yirenkyi at least found the net against the Welsh — a thin thread to cling to.

Panama travel the opposite way. Two wins, two draws, one loss, including a 4-2 dismantling of the Dominican Republic. Both teams have lived in open, high-scoring affairs of late. ESPN India sums it up bluntly — progress to the next round at stake — and with so little margin, the bookmakers still make Ghana favourites. I'd be wary of that call.