Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised his squad’s resilience, stating that they battled like warriors to secure a gritty and hard-fought victory against Panama at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Recall that the Black Stars claimed a vital 1-0 win in their opening group-stage match, navigating a tense battle against a compact and highly organized Panama side.

Ghana’s fans and players celebrated wildly as Caleb Yirenkyi finished a sweeping counterattack ‌‌with a tap-in goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to give the team a last-gasp win.

Speaking after the game, Queiroz noted that the team had to suffer but ultimately executed a clever tactical strategy.

“We battled like warriors,” said Queiroz.

“We won the game with our brains. First we had to suffer against a great team. They know how to play.

“We knew they would control the game. But step by step, our strategy was to let them come. This is the way to win.”

Ghana’s next game is against Group L leaders England in Boston on Tuesday, while Panama will hope to end their losing World Cup record when they face Croatia in Toronto on Wednesday.

Earlier on Wednesday, England defeated Croatia 4-2 in a match between the group favourites.

At the start of the tournament, FIFA ranked England fourth, Croatia 11th, Panama at 34, and Ghana at number 73.