By Agbaxode Emmanuel
Akatsi (VR), June 18, GNA – Residents of Akatsi South Municipality in the Volta Region erupted in jubilation on Wednesday night after Ghana’s Senior National Team, the Black Stars, secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 95th minute when midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi latched onto a well-timed pass from substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante and calmly slotted home the winner to hand Ghana all three points.
Earlier, Mr William Kpormatsi, a businessman and National Democratic Congress (NDC) politician from Akatsi South, financed the erection of a giant screen at Akatsi to enable residents to watch the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign.
Defying the late hours of the night, scores of residents thronged the venue and stayed awake to catch a glimpse of the highly anticipated encounter.
The initiative brought together residents of different political persuasions, particularly the youth, who watched the match side by side in an atmosphere of unity, camaraderie and national pride.
Moments after Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time strike and the final whistle, the giant screen venue in Akatsi erupted into wild celebrations as supporters sang patriotic songs, danced and waved the national colours while motorists sounded their horns in jubilation.
Some football enthusiasts described the victory as a morale booster for the national team and expressed confidence that the Black Stars could advance to the knockout stage.
Mr Livingston Wormadey, a sports presenter at Akatsi-based Kaleawo FM, told the Ghana News Agency that the result reflected the Black Stars’ teamwork, determination and resilience.
He said the players demonstrated composure and fighting spirit throughout the match and deserved the victory.
Mr Wormadey expressed optimism that the team would improve on its performance in subsequent matches and urged Ghanaians to continue rallying behind the Black Stars.
“The victory is a positive start to the campaign and should serve as a confidence booster for the players. I believe the team has what it takes to do even better in the next encounter,” he stated.
The result places Ghana second in Group L on three points, level with England, who occupy the top spot on goal difference following their 4-2 victory over Croatia. Panama and Croatia remain without a point after the opening round of matches.
Ghana’s next Group L fixture will be against England on Monday, June 23, before concluding the group stage campaign against Croatia on Friday, June 27.
Residents in Akatsi South pledged their unwavering support for the Black Stars and expressed hope that the team would build on the winning start and continue to make the nation proud.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Agbaxode Emmanuel