Queiroz Hails Black Stars’ Fighting Spirit After Dramatic Panama Victory
Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised his players for their determination and resilience after Ghana secured a dramatic late win over Panama in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The four-time African champions left it until deep into stoppage time to claim all three points in Toronto, with substitute midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi emerging as the hero with the decisive goal.
In a tightly contested Group L encounter, Ghana had to withstand long periods of pressure from a spirited Panama side before finding the breakthrough in the closing stages of the game.
With the contest seemingly headed for a goalless draw, Brandon Thomas-Asante sparked a swift counterattack and produced an excellent pass into the path of Yirenkyi, who kept his composure to slot home the winner and send Ghanaian supporters into celebration.
The result handed the Black Stars a crucial victory to begin their World Cup campaign and strengthened their position in a group that also features England and Croatia.
Speaking after the match, Queiroz refused to get carried away by the result but expressed delight with the character shown by his team.
“It means three points. That’s it. We’ve won the first half, but now we still have to play the second and third halves of this important tournament. But I’m so happy for the boys. So happy.”
The experienced Portuguese tactician commended his players for staying focused throughout a challenging contest and finding a way to secure victory despite Panama’s stubborn resistance.
The win provides Ghana with valuable momentum ahead of a highly anticipated clash against England in their second Group L fixture. It also boosts confidence within the camp as the Black Stars continue their quest to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run in 2010.
Ghana will now shift attention to their showdown with England, knowing another positive result could significantly enhance their chances of advancing to the next round.
