By Simon Asare
Accra, June 18, GNA – Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz said his side will make steady progress after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi secured the win at BMO Field in Toronto, giving the Black Stars a positive start to their campaign as they currently occupy second spot in Group L with three points.
Speaking after the match, coach Queiroz acknowledged his team struggled early on against a physically imposing Panama side but praised their resilience in the second half.
“We are growing as a team. We are playing a different system and the methods we are using to attack. Step by step we will improve, and the players will adjust to each other,” Queiroz said.
He added that understanding the game plan remained key to the team’s development.
“For me it is important that the players understand the game. It was an intense match and every win at the World Cup is expensive. Today our players showed that they are ready to pay a high price to win.”
Ghana spent much of the first half on the back foot as Panama started strongly, but Queiroz said his players showed discipline and composure to withstand the pressure.
“We knew Panama are a wonderful and well-organised team. They play very smart, so it was time to suffer and play with concentration,” he said.
Queiroz said he was pleased with the improvement after the break, as Ghana found a way to secure victory despite the early difficulties.
Ghana would next face group leaders England in their second Group match on June 23 in Boston.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare