Accra: Some Black Stars fans in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region have celebrated the national team's hard-fought victory over Panama in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opener but are demanding urgent tactical adjustments and better midfield cover before the crucial clash against England.
According to Ghana News Agency, the win sparked celebrations in various areas of Keta township, including Vui, Dzelukope, Tetekope, Nukpesekope, and Kedzikope, where supporters in red, gold, green, and black danced, honked horns, and waved flags after securing three vital points. Mr. Banabas Agoha, a resident and strong fan of Black Stars, expressed that despite the jubilation, a large section of fans were dissatisfied with Ghana's first-half performance, which was described as disjointed and lacking the expected intensity.
'The most of our criticism is centred on the midfield. The middle of the park lacked a commanding defensive presence, positional discipline, and ball-winning quality, leaving the backline exposed and forcing defenders to scramble during transitions against Panama,' Agoha stated. He emphasized that the absence of Thomas Partey has created a significant gap and argued that Partey's composure, physicality, tenacity, and leadership would have been crucial in dominating central areas and closing the spaces Panama exploited before halftime.
Agoha urged the head coach and the technical team to urgently review the team's tactical formation and midfield structure. He stressed that the vulnerabilities shown against Panama would be punished more severely by England, who routed Croatia 4-2 in the group's other fixture on the same matchday. "See my brother, England's emphatic win against Croatia is a clear warning to the Black Stars. The Three Lions' pace, pressing, and attacking depth present a far sterner test than Panama, and Ghana must approach the next fixture with meticulous preparation, tactical intelligence, and maximum physical readiness."
Mr. Agoha also highlighted physicality as a major concern for the Black Stars, noting that the team was regularly outmuscled and outrun in duels and transition moments. He called for sharper pressing, more aggression in 50-50 challenges, and elevated intensity to match England and Croatia's athletic squads in the subsequent matches.
Mr. Dodzi Amenyo, another fan, expressed excitement over the matchday one in Group L games, which has taken early shape with Ghana and England both on three points each after wins over Panama and Croatia respectively. He mentioned that the Ghana-England encounter in the second group fixture would be a defining game for the group. A win or draw for the Black Stars would put them in a strong position to advance, while a defeat would leave qualification dependent on results against Croatia in the final group games.
The fans advised that there must be no room for complacency, and tactical discipline, midfield solidity, and a dramatic lift in physical intensity must be addressed immediately if the team is to compete with the quality of other teams. As millions across Keta Municipality, the country, and the diaspora prepare to watch the subsequent matches, the overriding sentiment is cautious optimism.
GNA observed that many fans defied the odds and stayed awake to watch Black Stars deep into the night as they celebrated the Panama result, but they made it clear that the team must raise its level if the Black Stars are to chase a historic deep run at the 2026 World Cup. A late goal from Caleb Yirenkyi helped Ghana grab the first 3 points of the tournament, marking their first win since October 2025. Black Stars' next World Cup Group L fixture will be against England on Tuesday, June 23, in the USA at 2000 hours.