Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has revealed that the move which led to his match-winning goal against Panama was the result of extensive work on the training ground.
The midfielder scored the decisive goal as the Black Stars opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto.
In a contest that looked destined to end goalless, Yirenkyi’s late intervention secured all three points for Carlos Queiroz’s side and provided Ghana with a positive start in Group L.
The Black Stars struggled to establish their attacking rhythm for large periods of the match but eventually found the breakthrough they needed to overcome a resilient Panama side.
Speaking after the game, Yirenkyi attributed the goal to the team’s preparations in training, explaining that the move had been rehearsed repeatedly in the build-up to the tournament.
“I think that’s why we are practising a lot. We started our preparation to get the ball to the middle. And then put it in the box.
“And then we get to run. And then the ball goes to the finish line. I think that’s what we’ve been doing.”
The victory gives Ghana an early advantage in a difficult group that also includes England and Croatia, with tougher tests still to come.
For Yirenkyi, the goal was a reward for both individual effort and collective preparation, with the midfielder highlighting the importance of repetition on the training pitch.
Ghana will now turn their attention to their next Group L fixture against England on June 23, knowing another positive result could significantly strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
The Black Stars will hope the attacking patterns that proved decisive against Panama can once again deliver when they face one of the tournament favourites.
