Partey's visa appeal rejected as Ghana face Panama without their captain

A Canadian judge has rejected Thomas Partey's emergency appeal to enter the country for Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday. The Ghana captain was denied entry after immigration officials found he had not declared rape charges against him. Ghana will face Panama without their most prominent player. Ghana lose their captain and most experienced midfielder for their opening World Cup match, with no clear route for Partey to join the squad at any point in the tournament.