By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Denu (V/R), June 18, GNA – Football enthusiasts in Denu in the Ketu South Municipality have expressed mixed reactions to the Black Stars’ performance in their Group L opener against Panama at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While Ghana secured a dramatic late victory, fans raised concerns over the team’s sluggish start and lack of cohesion in the first half of the encounter.
The Black Stars, who are drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, struggled to impose themselves early in the game, with limited attacking presence and ineffective movement in the final third.
Mr Hope Koliko, a sports enthusiast, told the Ghana News Agency that the team appeared tactically disjointed in the opening half, particularly in attack.
He noted that Jordan Ayew, deployed as the lead striker, was largely anonymous during the first half, while Antoine Semenyo also failed to make significant impact.
“The movement upfront was not convincing, and there was a lack of coordination in the attacking lines,” he said.
However, the narrative shifted in the second half as the Black Stars showed improved tactical discipline and urgency.
GNA observed that the turning point came with key substitutions by the technical team, as Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Brandon Thomas Asante replaced Ernest Nuamah and Kamaldeen Sulemana, injecting pace and creativity into Ghana’s attack.
Madam Janet Normeshie, a football fan, praised the coach for his game management and timely substitutions, which she said changed the dynamics of the match.
“The coach showed great leadership from the touchline and kept pushing the players until the very end. That fighting spirit is what we want to see,” she said.
Ghana’s persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Caleb Yirenkyi struck in the 90+5th minute to secure all three points, sparking celebrations among fans who had anticipated a positive start to the campaign.
In the other Group L fixture, England recorded a 4-2 victory over Croatia, setting up a competitive group stage.
The Black Stars are expecte/d to face both England and Croatia in their remaining group matches as they aim to secure qualification to the next stage of the tournament.
Despite the victory, some fans urged the team to improve their starting approach in subsequent matches, noting that slow beginnings against stronger opposition could prove costly.
They expressed optimism that the technical team would address the lapses and build on the positives from the second-half performance.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. The competition commenced on June 11 and will run through July 19.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade