football 18 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ghanaian coach optimistic about World Cup prospects after Panama victory
Despite a challenging 1-0 win against Panama, Ghana's coach Carlos Queiroz believes the team has the potential to make a significant impact at the World Cup. The victory came in extra time, highlighting the team's resilience. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/after-tough-panama-win-ghana-can-do-something-at-world-cup-queiroz-says-5500854
Ghana’s senior men’s national football team, the Black Stars, secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama in a recent match, with the winning goal coming in the fifth minute of extra time. This crucial win has fueled optimism for their performance in the upcoming World Cup.
Coach Carlos Queiroz emphasized that victories in the World Cup tournament are often earned at a significant cost, and the team demonstrated their willingness to pay that price against Panama. He expressed confidence in his squad, stating, “With the football we played today we can count on Ghana to do something.” This statement suggests a belief in the team’s capabilities on the global stage.
However, the match wasn’t without its difficulties. Queiroz noted that his players appeared “naive and not aggressive in the first half” and commented on the rough play from the Panamanian side. The team also faced an unfortunate setback when goalkeeper Ati Zigi had to be substituted at halftime due to an injury sustained during a collision. The coach was uncertain about Zigi’s availability for the next match against England, stating that further assessment would be needed over the next 24 to 48 hours.
Queiroz, who was appointed in April, was not initially expected to be at the tournament. His comments reflect a forward-looking perspective, focusing on the team’s potential despite the immediate challenges and past disappointments.