Everything went wrong after the Slovan defender's departure. Queiroz: We won with our minds.

Pulse Sports Team 09:44 - 18 June 2026

In the Group L encounter in Toronto, Ghana defeated Panama 1-0, thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi's goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time.

Slovan Bratislava defender Cesar Blackman was no longer on the pitch, having been substituted by the Panama coach in the 90th minute.

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"First, we had to suffer; we fought like warriors. We won this match with our minds. We knew they would have more of the game and control the match. Step by step, however, that was our strategy – let them play, gradually take control, and then strike when the opportunity arose. That's how you win matches," Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz told ITV.

Ghana will play their second group stage match on Tuesday, June 23rd, at 10:00 PM CEST at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough against favored England. Panama faces Croatia on Wednesday at 1:00 AM CEST, again in Toronto.