It's a dream come true - Jerome Opoku after making World Cup debut
Ghana defender Jerome Opoku has described his first appearance at the FIFA World Cup as a defining moment in his career after helping the Black Stars secure a 2-0 victory over Panama in their Group L opener at BMO Field.
The 26-year-old was handed a starting role in central defence alongside Jonas Adjetey and delivered a composed performance as Ghana kept a clean sheet to begin their campaign on a positive note.
Caleb Yirenkyi sealed the win with a late strike to cap a disciplined display from the four-time African champions.
Speaking after the match, Opoku said the occasion carried deep personal significance.
"It was a dream come true, you know, to play in front of the fans, and my family was there. It's something I dreamed of growing up," Opoku told the Ghana FA Media.
"And I thought it was a solid performance, you know. I'm happy to keep a clean sheet with my defenders, the backline and the two goalkeepers.
"So, it was a team effort, and we've done it. So, yeah, that's it," he added.
The result places Ghana second in Group L, behind England, who opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia.
Attention now shifts to a high-stakes meeting with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before the Black Stars conclude their group fixtures against Croatia four days later.