Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo and match winner Caleb Yirenkyi reacted to their win over Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
A 95th-minute winner from Caleb Yirenkyi secured Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto, Canada, marking their first opening World Cup win since 2010 against Serbia.
In his interview after the game, Antoine Semenyo said the dressing room was emotional and intense.
“Everyone’s going crazy in the changing room right now. The emotions when we were celebrating said it all. We really wanted to win the game and we’re happy we got the three points. Panama had a great first half. They kept the ball really well and we struggled with the press. We just needed to stay in our shape, stick together and wait for our moments and we took ours,” Semenyo said.
He also spoke about how his role shifted during the match as Ghana adjusted tactically.
“The first 15 to 20 minutes we were a bit deep so I moved inside to help the team get up the pitch. Later the coach pushed me back wide to get on the ball more,” he added.
Looking ahead, Semenyo said Ghana remain focused.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game. We want to win but we know it won’t be easy.”
Meanwhile, match winner Caleb Yirenkyi credited Ghana’s preparation after scoring the decisive goal.
“We won the ball back, played forward and I just finished it. We’ve been practising getting the ball wide and getting players into the box and it worked. The coach told us to be braver and press higher. In the second half we had more energy and that helped us cause problems,” Yirenkyi said.
He added that team unity was important.
“We have great support around us, the senior players help us a lot and we just try to learn and give our best. We take it step by step, learn and keep working,” he concluded.
Ghana will now travel back to the United States for their second group game against England, where they will look to build on their winning start and welcome midfielder Thomas Partey back into the squad.
