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Ghana’s Black Stars have commenced their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama, a match that served as a breakout performance for teenage sensation Caleb Yirenkyi. Head coach Carlos Queiroz singled out the 20-year-old midfielder for high praise, labeling him a future cornerstone of the national team. Yirenkyi, who scored the decisive goal in the opener, has quickly become the center of tactical discussions regarding the team’s long-term structure, with Queiroz expressing immense confidence in the youngster's ability to compete on the world’s biggest stage.
Addressing ongoing debates regarding Yirenkyi’s optimal role on the pitch, Queiroz was firm in his assessment that the player’s future lies in the midfield rather than at right-back, a position some had previously suggested for him. The coach emphasized that Yirenkyi’s performance against Panama validated his placement in the center of the park, where he can best influence the game’s tempo. This tactical decision is part of a broader evolution for the Black Stars, as Queiroz seeks to instill a high-tempo, attacking identity within the squad to remain competitive against increasingly sophisticated international opponents.
Despite the positive result, the match left Ghana with concerns over the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who sustained an injury during the encounter. However, Queiroz remained optimistic, expressing full confidence in backup goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to fill the void. As the Black Stars prepare for upcoming high-stakes fixtures against England and Croatia, the coach believes the team’s growing resilience and the emergence of talents like Yirenkyi will be vital. He acknowledged the narrowing gap in quality across international football but maintained that Ghana is well-prepared for the challenges ahead in their World Cup journey.
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