Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante has spoken about the balance between patience and ambition after making a decisive contribution off the bench in his country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.
Brandon Thomas-Asante, who plays his club football for Coventry City, set up Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage-time winner to secure a crucial victory for the Ghana national football team against Panama at BMO Field on Wednesday.
Despite his match-winning involvement, the forward admitted he would prefer a more consistent starting role but stressed the importance of making an impact whenever called upon.
"I just wanted to do what I did, really. I would have probably liked a goal as well, but the main thing was the win."
"My style of play, I'm very fortunate that a lot of times in my career, even if I'm on the bench, there's an opportunity to come and impact the game. Obviously, I want to start every game, but in my career, you know, that is not how football works.
"You have to be ready for any occasion, and today my job was to try and impact it from the bench, and I'm happy that I could contribute in some way."
Thomas-Asante praised Ghana’s collective effort, highlighting the defensive discipline and resilience that laid the foundation for the late breakthrough. He also credited match-winner Caleb Yirenkyi for finishing the decisive move.
It's about the team performance because to go to that point at 0-0, defending solidly, having a few chances, that is what the team did before I came on, so credit to them and to Caleb for the goal."
The result puts Ghana in a strong early position in Group L, behind England, which defeated Croatia 4–2 in its opening match.
Attention now turns to a high-stakes clash with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before Ghana conclude their group campaign against Croatia.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz will be encouraged by the positive start as his side aim to sustain momentum in pursuit of a place in the knockout stages, a feat Ghana last achieved during their 2010 World Cup run.
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