Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has hailed his players’ intelligence, composure and tactical discipline after the Black Stars secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A stoppage-time winner from midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi handed Ghana all three points at BMO Field and ensured Queiroz began his World Cup campaign on a winning note.
The result gave the Black Stars an important early advantage in Group L and strengthened their position ahead of a highly anticipated encounter with England in their second group fixture.
While the winning goal arrived in the closing moments, Queiroz suggested the victory was the product of careful planning, patience and intelligent execution rather than a reliance on physical strength.
Speaking after the match, the Portuguese coach praised his team’s ability to remain disciplined throughout a difficult contest and credited their mental approach for ultimately delivering the breakthrough.
“We won the game with our brains,” Queiroz stated proudly.
The Black Stars were forced to work hard for the victory against a determined Panama side that proved difficult to break down for much of the contest.
Ghana’s challenge became even greater during the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was forced off after suffering an injury scare.
His departure led to an unexpected World Cup debut for Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who was called upon to help Ghana navigate a tense period of the match.
Despite the disruption, Ghana maintained their structure and concentration as they searched for the decisive goal.
According to Queiroz, the team’s success was built on tactical maturity and patience rather than rushing their approach against a well-organised defensive opponent.
The coach believed his players followed their game plan effectively, showing the discipline required to remain focused even as the clock ticked towards full time.
The victory also served as a reward for a tactical adjustment made before kick-off.
Queiroz opted for a disciplined 4-2-3-1 formation, a structural change that helped provide balance throughout the match. The system allowed Ghana to remain organised while gradually increasing pressure on Panama as the game progressed.
The approach ultimately paid off when Yirenkyi struck in the 90th minute to break the deadlock and secure maximum points.
The dramatic nature of the goal sparked celebrations among Ghana’s players and supporters, but the performance itself appeared to give the coach equal satisfaction.
For Queiroz, the result demonstrated not only the technical and tactical qualities within his squad but also the mental resilience needed to compete at football’s biggest tournament.
The Black Stars now find themselves in a promising position after successfully negotiating their opening assignment.
With three points secured from their first match, Ghana can approach their upcoming clash against England with confidence, knowing another positive result could significantly strengthen their hopes of progressing from the group stage.
For now, however, Queiroz’s focus remains on the qualities that delivered victory against Panama. A disciplined tactical display, resilience in the face of adversity and patience until the final whistle combined to earn Ghana a winning start and provide valuable momentum for the challenges that lie ahead in Group L.
