Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante has reiterated his desire to earn more starts for the Black Stars after playing a pivotal role in their dramatic opening victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Coventry City attacker emerged from the bench to provide the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner as Ghana edged Panama 1-0 at BMO Field, handing Carlos Queiroz’s side a dream start to their Group L campaign.
Despite making a telling contribution, Thomas-Asante admitted he is eager to feature from the first whistle whenever possible.
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Asked about his role in the game, the forward said:
“I just wanted to do what I did, really. I would have probably liked a goal as well, but the main thing was the win. My style of play, I’m very fortunate that a lot of times in my career, even if I’m on the bench, there’s an opportunity to come and impact the game. Obviously, I want to start every game, but in my career, you know that is not how football works.”
“You have to be ready for any occasion, and today my job was to try to impact it from the bench, and I’m happy that I could contribute. It’s about the team performance because to go to that point at 0-0, defending solidly, having a few chances, that is what the team did before I came on, so credit to them and to Caleb for the goal.”
The 27-year-old’s energetic display has intensified the selection debate ahead of Ghana’s next assignment, with the forward making a compelling case for a place in Queiroz’s starting lineup.
Ghana’s victory leaves them second in Group L behind England, who began their World Cup journey with a 4-2 triumph over Croatia. The Black Stars now turn their attention to a heavyweight encounter against England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their group-stage schedule against Croatia four days later.
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Buoyed by an opening three points, Ghana will seek to maintain their momentum and move closer to the knockout rounds, a stage they have not reached since their historic quarter-final appearance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
