Caleb Yirenkyi has stated that Ghana’s dramatic winning goal against Panama was no accident, revealing that the move had been repeatedly drilled on the training ground before the Black Stars opened their World Cup campaign.
The teenage midfielder delivered the decisive moment in Toronto, scoring late to seal a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Ghana over Panama in their opening Group L fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result handed Carlos Queiroz’s side all three points and an encouraging start to the tournament.
For much of the contest at BMO Field, Ghana found it difficult to break down a disciplined Panamanian team that limited space and chances. With neither side creating many clear opportunities, the game appeared to be heading toward a stalemate.
That changed in the closing stages when the Black Stars executed a move they had spent considerable time perfecting in training. Yirenkyi arrived at the right moment to finish the attack and send Ghana’s supporters into celebration.
Reflecting on the winning goal after the match, the FC Nordsjaelland midfielder credited the team’s preparation for making the breakthrough possible.
“I think that’s why we are practising a lot. We started our preparation to get the ball to the middle. And then put it in the box.
“And then we get to run. And then the ball goes to the finish line. I think that’s what we’ve been doing,” Caleb Yirenkyi stated.
The victory gives Ghana an early advantage in Group L and provides momentum ahead of two demanding fixtures in the coming days.
The Black Stars will next take on England at the Boston Stadium on June 23 before wrapping up their group-stage campaign against Croatia on June 27. With three points already secured, confidence is growing within the squad as they chase a place in the knockout rounds.
