‘I believe our fasting and prayers will work’ — Prophet Uche’s words before Black Stars victory

Prophet Eric Boahen-Uche, leader of Reign House Chapel, expressed confidence that prayers offered for Ghana would yield results before the Black Stars' opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The renowned cleric had earlier warned that Ghana could face difficulties at the tournament due to what he described as spiritual challenges confronting the national team.

However, ahead of Ghana's opening game against Panama, Prophet Uche on Sunday, June 14, declared three days of fasting and prayers for the Black Stars, saying the move was motivated by his love for the country.

According to him, things were not favourable for Ghana in the spiritual realm, making it necessary for believers to intercede for the team.

Hours before kick-off on June 17, the prophet took to social media to announce that God had spoken concerning the Black Stars and urged Ghanaians to remain hopeful.

“Ghana, Nyame akasa. Let’s not stop praying for the national team. I believe our fasting and prayers will work tonight for our country,” he wrote.

His message came before Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening Group stage match, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring deep into stoppage time to hand the Black Stars all three points.

Panama started strongly and created several early opportunities, forcing goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi into crucial saves within the opening minutes.

Ati-Zigi continued to keep Ghana in the game but was forced off through injury and replaced at half-time by Benjamin Asare.

In search of a breakthrough, head coach Carlos Queiroz introduced Brandon Thomas-Asante and Fatawu Issahaku in the second half.

The substitutions improved Ghana's attacking threat, although clear scoring chances remained limited.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Ghana found the winner in the fifth minute of added time.

Yirenkyi started the move before Thomas-Asante beat his marker and drove into the penalty area.

The forward then picked out the unmarked Yirenkyi, who calmly slotted home from close range in the 95th minute.

The victory marked Ghana's second winning start at a FIFA World Cup after their opening-match triumph over Serbia at the 2010 tournament, where the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals.