Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has attributed his dramatic winning goal against Panama to the intensive tactical work carried out by the Black Stars coaching staff during their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The teenage midfielder emerged as Ghana’s hero in Toronto on Wednesday night, scoring the decisive goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L fixture at BMO Field.
It was a challenging contest for Carlos Queiroz’s side, who spent much of the evening chasing the game as Panama dictated possession and restricted Ghana’s attacking opportunities. Despite struggling to establish their usual rhythm, the Black Stars remained patient and disciplined before producing a decisive moment when it mattered most.
That breakthrough arrived deep into the closing stages, with Yirenkyi applying the finishing touch to a move that had been repeatedly rehearsed on the training ground in the lead-up to the tournament.
World Cup 2026. Yirenkyi’s late strike hands Ghana dramatic victory over Panama
Speaking after the match, the 18-year-old explained that the goal was a perfect example of the patterns and movements the team had been working on throughout their preparations.
“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,” Yirenkyi said.
“And then we get to run. And then the ball goes to the finish line. I think that’s what we’ve been doing,” the 18-year-old added.
The victory gives Ghana an ideal start to their World Cup campaign and places them in a strong position as they prepare for two crucial group-stage encounters.
Attention now turns to a highly anticipated clash with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before the Black Stars round off their Group L schedule against Croatia four days later.
With three valuable points already secured and confidence growing within the squad, Ghana will head into those fixtures believing they have laid a solid foundation for a serious challenge for a place in the knockout stages.
