Ghana midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi has attributed his decisive strike against Panama in the 2026 FIFA World Cup to detailed preparation on the training ground, after firing the Black Stars to a 1-0 victory in their Group L opener in Toronto.
The FC Nordsjaelland youngster emerged as Ghana’s match-winner at BMO Field, striking late to secure all three points in a tightly contested encounter under head coach Carlos Queiroz.
For long spells, the four-time African champions struggled to break down a well-organised Panamanian side, with chances few and far between in a cagey affair.
But Ghana’s persistence eventually paid off when Yirenkyi finished off a rehearsed move, sealing a winning start to their tournament campaign.
Speaking after the game, the 18-year-old midfielder pointed to repeated work in training as the foundation for the decisive goal.
“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,” Yirenkyi said.
“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 18 year oid added.
The result gives Ghana an early boost in Group L as attention now turns to tougher tests ahead against England and Croatia.
The Black Stars face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their group-stage fixtures against Croatia on June 27, with momentum on their side as they chase a first knockout-stage appearance since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
