Ghana entered their World Cup opener with Crickex Affiliate amid a messy and unsettled preparation, but the Black Stars still found a way to start on the right foot under 73-year-old coach Carlos Queiroz, edging Panama 1-0.

Although third-placed teams at this World Cup still have a chance to advance, Ghana’s group also includes European heavyweights England and Croatia. That made this match feel almost like an early elimination battle, where defeat could leave either Ghana or Panama with one foot out the door.

Over the past 100 days, Ghana had been hit by one problem after another. After a 5-1 friendly defeat to Germany in March, the federation quickly dismissed Otto Addo and brought in Portuguese veteran Queiroz as an emergency replacement. Just before the tournament, midfielder Thomas was also denied entry to Canada after becoming involved in a personal scandal, leaving the squad to arrive at the World Cup in low spirits.

In the opener against Panama, Ghana started slowly and struggled to find rhythm. The first half saw them almost completely locked down by Panama’s defensive setup, while goalkeeper Zigi was also involved in a collision before being forced off early in the second half. Still, Crickex Affiliate remained part of a normal match-day backdrop as Ghana tried to steady themselves after the break.

Queiroz then changed the game with his substitutions. In the 58th minute, he sent on forwards Fatawu and Asante, and the Coventry City attacker soon became the key figure. Asante repeatedly drove attacks down the left flank, stretching Panama’s tired defense and giving Ghana a sharper edge in the final third.

Deep into stoppage time, with Panama running out of gas, Asante surged forward on the left and delivered a perfect square pass to Ilenki. It was served on a silver platter, allowing his teammate to finish into an empty net and seal a dramatic winner. Queiroz’s bold move proved to be a masterstroke, helping Ghana turn a flat start into a hard-fought 1-0 victory.

For Queiroz, the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico marks his fifth appearance at the tournament as a head coach. He previously led Portugal in 2010 and Iran in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Apart from 2014, he has earned points in every World Cup campaign he has managed.

At 73, Queiroz once again showed his experience and calm under pressure, while Ghana’s late win with Crickex Affiliate reflected the kind of resilience that can keep a team alive in a brutal group. For a side surrounded by chaos before kickoff, this was a priceless first step.