Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz don open up on the tactic wey help the Black Stars grind out one dramatic 1-0 win against Panama for their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The four-time African champions bin dey look like team wey go settle for draw at BMO Field for Toronto before Caleb Yirenkyi score late winner for stoppage time to give Ghana all three points and perfect start to their World Cup journey, na weytin Hitvibz dey yan be dat.
Ghana coach Queiroz don explain em winning plan against Panama
After the match, Queiroz praise him players for their discipline and patience, talk say na intelligence and smart planning help dem carry the victory.
“We battled like warriors,” Queiroz talk.
“We win the game with our brains. First, we gatz suffer against one very good team. Dem sabi play ball well.
“We know say dem go control the game. But step by step, our strategy na make we allow dem come. Na so you fit win.”
Panama enjoy plenty possession throughout the match, but Ghana remain solid for defence and stick to their game plan from start to finish.
The Central American side almost open scoring early when Cecilio Waterman test goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi, but Ghana gradually settle down and make life difficult for Panama attackers.
Caleb Yirenkyi late goal give Ghana winning start for World Cup
The Black Stars struggle to create clear chances for most parts of the game, something wey continue concerns after their poor run of friendly matches before the tournament.
Panama get one of the best chances in the second half when Christian Martinez shoot enter side netting, while Ghana nearly score through Jordan Ayew before Jiovany Ramos make crucial last-ditch tackle.
As e come be like say the match go end goalless, Ghana strike for the 95th minute.
Brandon Thomas-Asante break through from the left side before he send one low cross enter the box.
Yirenkyi show up at the right time and gently tap the ball enter empty net, as Ghana fans wey dey Toronto burst into wild celebration.
The result don move Ghana go second position for Group L ahead of one big clash against group leaders England for Boston on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Panama go face Croatia for Toronto as dem continue their search for their first-ever point for FIFA World Cup finals.
For Queiroz, the victory na proof say patience, discipline and correct tactical planning fit make the difference when pressure dey high.
The Black Stars suffer, stay focused and eventually get the reward wey give dem winning start for the tournament.
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026 8:32 am by Hitvibz Media
"Na with our brain’ — Ghana coach Queiroz explain how Black Stars take beat Panama for World Cup opener
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