Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised his players’ resilience and for using their “brains” to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A stoppage-time strike from Caleb Yirenkyi at Toronto Stadium handed Ghana all three points in Group L, despite Panama controlling large spells of the contest and looking the more comfortable side for much of the game.
Ghana had failed to register a single shot in the first half and had just 35 percent possession before the interval.
Panama, meanwhile, enjoyed 65 percent of the ball and created the better opportunities.
The victory gave Queiroz a winning start at a World Cup with Ghana but the Portuguese coach admitted his side had to endure long periods without possession before executing their game plan.
“We battled like warriors,” Queiroz told ITV during a post-match interview.
“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 victory leaves them second in Group L, behind England, who beat Croatia 4-2.
The Black Stars face the Three Lions on 23 June, while Panama will look to bounce back against Croatia.
coach Carlos Queiroz said wins in this World Cup came at a high price and that his players had shown they were ready to pay it after the West African country overcame Panama 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal on Wednesday.
Queiroz brushed aside questions about the absence of midfielder Thomas Partey from the game due to a Canadian travel ban and visa issues.
“With the football we played today, we can count on Ghana to do something,” he told reporters.
Queiroz, 73, was not scheduled to go to the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States until April when Ghana appointed him in place of Otto Addo, fired in March after a series of disappointing results.
The Portuguese, however, complained about the rough handling of Ghana players by the Panamanian side, and said his team were “naive and not aggressive in the first half”.
Ghana had to replace goalkeeper Ati Zigi at halftime following a collision.
“Not sure,” Queiroz said about Zigi’s availability for the next game against England. “It is early and this kind of injury it is only after 24 to 48 hours we can be sure.”
