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Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised his squad’s resilience, stating that they battled like warriors to secure a gritty and hard-fought victory against Panama at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Recall that the Black Stars claimed a vital 1-0 win in their opening group-stage match, navigating a tense battle against a compact and highly organized Panama side.
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Ghana’s fans and players celebrated wildly as Caleb Yirenkyi finished a sweeping counterattack with a tap-in goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to give the team a last-gasp win.
Speaking after the game, Queiroz noted that the team had to suffer but ultimately executed a clever tactical strategy.
“We battled like warriors,” said Queiroz.
“We won the game with our brains. First we had to suffer against a great team. They know how to play.
“We knew they would control the game. But step by step, our strategy was to let them come. This is the way to win.”
Ghana’s next game is against Group L leaders England in Boston on Tuesday, while Panama will hope to end their losing World Cup record when they face Croatia in Toronto on Wednesday.
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Earlier on Wednesday, England defeated Croatia 4-2 in a match between the group favourites.
At the start of the tournament, FIFA ranked England fourth, Croatia 11th, Panama at 34, and Ghana at number 73.
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Our strategy was to let them come – Carlos Queiroz.
indeed, Panama threw men forward, desperately searching for the break through goal, but poor finishing and an inspired performance from the Ghana goalie kept them at bay.
Panama had a whopping 63% possession, and they missed a boatload of chances.
The Ghana goalie put up the performance of his life. Without his heroic saves, Ghana might have received a beat down.
Banku managed to scrape 3 points with a shaky defence, a mediocre midfield and a blunt attack.
Thomas Asante and Semenyo were a threat when they got the ball. Asante in particular was a thorn in the flesh of the Panama defense with his pace and dribbling. His brilliant assist led to the goal.
Banku have passed the first test, but tougher tests lie ahead. England and Croatia are not smiling.