Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante has admitted he would prefer to start matches for Ghana, while stressing that he fully understands the importance of accepting different roles within the team.
The Coventry City striker made a decisive impact from the bench in Ghana’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture, providing the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner in a 1-0 victory over Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on Wednesday.
Reflecting on his contribution, Thomas-Asante said he was satisfied with the team’s result, even if he personally would have liked to get on the scoresheet.
“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.
He acknowledged the reality of competition at international level, noting that even though every player wants to start, impact roles are often just as important.
“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. 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,” he added.
Thomas-Asante’s introduction proved decisive as Ghana maintained their discipline throughout a tight contest before finally breaking through in stoppage time.
The victory leaves Ghana second in Group L, behind England, who began their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
Attention now shifts to Ghana’s highly anticipated clash with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before they conclude their group-stage fixtures against Croatia four days later.
With three points already secured, Carlos Queiroz’s side will aim to build momentum as they pursue a first World Cup knockout-stage appearance since their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2010.
