Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz believes patience and discipline were key to the Black Stars’ dramatic 1-0 win over Panama in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.
Despite being placed under pressure for much of the encounter, Ghana remained composed and continued to fight until Caleb Yirenkyi delivered the decisive moment deep into stoppage time to secure all three points.
The breakthrough came after substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante ignited a swift counterattack, racing forward before picking out a perfectly timed pass into the box. Yirenkyi made no mistake when the opportunity arrived, calmly finishing to spark celebrations among Ghana supporters.
Speaking after the final whistle, Queiroz explained that the result was a product of a carefully managed approach, with the team focused on staying patient and waiting for the right opportunity to strike.
“Step by step was our strategy. To let them [Panama] come and start to control, control, control, until we score. Because this is the way to win. Win all the time,” he said in an ITV interview.
The victory marks a strong opening for Ghana at the World Cup and places the Black Stars in a favourable position in Group L after England defeated Croatia 4-2 in the group’s other fixture.
