Black Stars left-back Gideon Mensah has revealed that Ghana’s players never stopped believing they could secure victory against Panama, crediting the team’s tactical discipline and composure for their dramatic late success in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A 90th-minute winner from midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Ghana at BMO Field in Toronto, handing Carlos Queiroz’s side a perfect start to their Group L campaign.
The late breakthrough sparked jubilant celebrations among Ghanaian supporters inside the stadium and millions of fans back home, as the Black Stars claimed a crucial three points in their first match of the tournament.
Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Mensah admitted the players were delighted to begin their World Cup journey on a winning note.
“I think it feels very good for us. Obviously coming to the World Cup for the first game, getting three points feels good for us, the players. I think people back home and the people in the stadium here from Ghana are also happy that we got the first three points,” Mensah said.
For much of the contest, Panama’s disciplined defensive setup frustrated Ghana’s attacking efforts, and the match appeared destined to end in a goalless draw.
However, Mensah explained that despite communication challenges caused by the noisy atmosphere in the early stages, the team remained calm and adjusted effectively after the break.
“The longer the game went on, it looked as if it was going to be 0-0. Yeah, of course we kept believing. I think when the game started, obviously it was a bit too loud for us to talk on the field. But then in the second half we made sure that we stayed in the game. So we knew that something was going to happen,” he added.
The Black Stars were also forced to overcome an injury scare involving first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who was replaced at halftime after sustaining a knock during the opening period.
Despite the setback and the mounting tension as the clock ticked down, Ghana maintained their patience and eventually found the breakthrough in the dying moments through Yirenkyi, securing the nation’s first opening-match World Cup victory since 2010.
Mensah stressed that the players understood how crucial concentration and belief would be in such a closely contested encounter.
“Games like this, you never know. It’s either you’re losing 1-0 or you’re winning 1-0. So I think we were on the better side to get a goal.”
The victory leaves Ghana well placed in Group L as attention now turns to a highly anticipated showdown against England, with the Black Stars aiming to build on their winning start and strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
