How Black Stars ignited a nation’s wavering faith

The Black Stars got Ghanaians rocking all night on Wednesday after overcoming a doggedly determined Panama side in their Group L clash of the ongoing FIFA 2026 World Cup.

Ghana versus Panama followed the group opener that saw England maul Croatia 4-2 in another entertaining game.

The group opener was more enjoyable as goals flowed like the rains; but Ghana against Panama was something else.

The first half came in two halves as Panama created a lot of tensed moments for the Black Stars who appeared quite sluggish and slow in their build-ups.

Perhaps, they were overawed by the pace and physicality of the Central American side who showed courage, athleticism and some finesse in their control of the game.

Within that period, goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was Ghana’s brightest performer, pulling some breathtaking saves to deny Panama an early lead.

At this time, the atmosphere became quite placid and anxious with some faithful on their knees, praying for a divine attention.

But when the Black Stars warmed themselves into the game, they showed glimpses of the attributes that made them one of the formidable sides in global football.

They didn’t just control the game; they passed well, they showed they also had pacey men upfront, and most importantly, defended well.

Despite the struggle to create clearer opportunities, they went close with the few that came their way until the referee’s whistle went for half time.

In the second half, the reason why the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach was celebrated by followers of the game was manifested with his effective substitutions that changed the course of the game.

Benjamin Asare replaced Ati-Zigi and all of a sudden, the Ghana defence suddenly had moments to breathe.

Then came Fatawu Ishahaku who replaced another speedster Kamaldeen Sulemana. He swapped position with Antoine Semenyo who moved to his favourite left side that allows him to perform his cut-ins to deliver his incisive thunderbolts.

At this moment, the right and left full backs of Panama knew no peace. They asked for trouble and Queiroz gave them.

For Brandon Asante, Queiroz would need no prophet to forewarn that he must be a starter against England, a side that requires Ghana to make great use of even the half chances and set pieces because they are blessed with superior talents across the various positions and can harm easily.

As it became a ding dong battle with Panama showing signs of fatigue, one commentator remarked; “At this stage of the game Ghana looks more likely to score.”

That sounded like a folktale to the faint-hearted whose joy had been just the wearing the national jersey and identifying as a patriotic Ghanaian.

In the dying embers of the game, the goal came. Caleb Yirenkyi brutally finished off a brilliant team goal that involved Brandon Asante and Antoine Semenyo in the build-up.

That erupted the vuvuzela sounds, supported by firecrackers; truncating the sleep of both young and old, and those that have jokingly expressed fears about watching the Black Stars since Asamoah Gyan’s ill-fated penalty miss against Uruguay in the 2010 edition in South Africa.

The victory is no indicator that the team is suddenly up there or has ‘arrived’ as is touted in the local parlance.

Admittedly, there is a lot of work to be done and the focus now would certainly be on some of the flaws identified in the first game.

But more importantly, the celebration witnessed across several viewing centres and homes; the joy seen among friends, family and ordinary fans sends one message that Ghanaians still love their national team.

Passing through town some hours after the game, a lot of people were seen shopping for all manner of paraphernalia, obviously to be counted among the real faithful.

And while the fans celebrate, one question resonates across-who is Caleb Yirenkyi?

Such questions may be genuine because he is among a host of the players that are not so familiar to Ghanaian fans because they did not feature for our local clubs in the Ghana League.

For this purpose, this column offers a piece of information about him.

Caleb Marfo Yirenkyi is a midfielder that plays for Danish Superliga club, Nordsjælland.

He was born in Bechem, Ahafo Region, and a product of the Right to Dream Academy, which he joined in 2017 at the age of 11.

Yirenkyi received his first call-up to the Ghana senior national team for the 2025 Unity Cup.

Gradually, he has become an unsung hero in the team having scored just two vital goals for the Black Stars – one against Wales in the last international friendly and the second against Panama.

That said, the Black Stars’ victory seem to have rekindled the faith and belief in the team and Ghana football entirely. This feeling must be sustained when they face England in what could become a defining moment in the campaign.

By Andrew Nortey