Former Black Stars midfielder Ahmed Barusso has tagged Ghana’s game against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a must win for the Black Stars. (Scroll down to watch video)
He said this in an exclusive interview with Citi Sports as Ghana prepares to compete at the World Cup for the fifth time.
Ghana has been drawn in Group L with England, Croatia and Panama with the opening game against Panama taking place on June 17.
Barusso, who played for the Black Stars at the 2008 AFCON, said he was wary of the threat from Panama and its impact on Ghana’s chances of qualifying from the group phase.
“It won’t be an easy task…It’s not an easy task. We should try and take our chances and deliver as early as possible because it’s the first game and I think we should get the three points.”

“It’s a must; if we don’t get the three points, then we should see that our chances of qualifying will be very difficult” Barusso said.
🎥 🇬🇭 “We need to take all three points against Panama to improve our chances of qualifying, but it won’t be easy.”
Former Ghana international Ahmed Barusso on Black Star’s opening group game against Panama at the World Cup.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/SvFOsodi1K
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) June 9, 2026









