2026 World Cup: Jerome Opoku hails Ghana's win over Panama as 'perfect result'
Black Stars defender Jerome Opoku has described Ghana's opening victory over Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the ideal start to their campaign.
The four-time African champions began their Group L journey with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over the Central American side on Wednesday night at BMO Field.
FC Nordsjaelland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi emerged as the hero, scoring a late winner to hand Ghana a crucial three points in their first match of the tournament.
Reflecting on the victory, Opoku said the result has lifted the mood within the camp ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
"I think the players, the staff, everyone's happy with the result. I think the three points are the most important thing," Opoku told the Ghana FA Media.
The defender noted that the positive atmosphere generated by the win will be vital as the team prepares for its next challenge.
"And now we feel a good vibe in the training rooms and positive energy, which is what we needed to go into the next game.
"So, I think it was a perfect, perfect result for us," he added.
The victory leaves Ghana second in Group L, behind England, who recorded a 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening fixture.
The Black Stars will now shift their focus to a much-anticipated showdown against England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Croatia four days later.
With momentum on their side, Otto Addo's men will be hoping to secure a place in the knockout rounds for the first time since Ghana's historic quarter-final appearance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.