Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised the determination and fighting spirit of the Black Stars after their dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A late stoppage-time goal secured all three points for Ghana in a tightly contested encounter, with the Portuguese coach insisting that resilience and sacrifice will be crucial if the team is to make an impact at the tournament.
Queiroz said the performance showed Ghana has the potential to achieve something special at the World Cup.
“With the football we played today we can count on Ghana to do something,” he said after the match.
The 73-year-old coach dismissed concerns over the absence of key midfielder Thomas Partey, who missed the game due to Canadian travel restrictions and visa-related issues, choosing instead to focus on the collective effort of the squad.
Queiroz, who took charge of the Black Stars in April after Otto Addo’s departure, admitted Ghana struggled in the first half and needed to improve its physical approach.
“The players were naive and not aggressive in the first half,” he said, while also expressing concerns over what he described as Panama’s physical style of play.
The Black Stars were forced into a substitution before the second half after goalkeeper Richard “Ati” Zigi suffered an injury following a collision.
Asked about Zigi’s availability for Ghana’s next match against England, Queiroz said it was too early to determine the extent of the injury.
“Not sure. It is early and this kind of injury it is only after 24 to 48 hours we can be sure,” he added.
The victory puts Ghana in a strong position in Group L as they continue their World Cup campaign.
