Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante has acknowledged the importance of accepting squad roles but admits he is eager to earn more starting opportunities after making a telling impact off the bench in Ghana’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup victory.
The Coventry City attacker was introduced in the second half against Panama and went on to provide the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner at BMO Field in Toronto on Wednesday, sealing a crucial 1-0 win for the West Africans.
Reflecting on his performance, Thomas-Asante said he would have preferred to get on the scoresheet but was satisfied with contributing to the team’s success.
“I just wanted to do what I did, really. I would have probably liked a goal as well, but the main thing was the win,” he said after the game.
He emphasised the need to be ready whenever called upon, noting that his career has often required him to influence matches as a substitute, even though his ambition remains to start regularly.
“My style of play, I’m very fortunate that a lot of times in my career, even if I’m on the bench, there’s an opportunity to come and impact the game. Obviously, I want to start every game, but in my career, you know, that is not how football works.
“You have to be ready for any occasion, and today my job was to try and impact it from the bench, and I’m happy that I could contribute in some way.”
The forward also praised Ghana’s collective effort, highlighting the defensive discipline and perseverance that kept the game level before the decisive moment late on.
“It’s about the team performance because to go to that point at 0-0, defending solidly, having a few chances, that is what the team did before I came on, so credit to them and to Caleb for the goal.”
The victory places Ghana second in Group L behind England, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
Attention now shifts to a high-stakes meeting with England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium, before Ghana conclude their group stage against Croatia four days later.
With three points already secured, Carlos Queiroz’s side will look to build momentum as they pursue a first knockout-stage appearance since their run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
