Nordsjaelland star Caleb Yirenkyi stays grounded after World Cup winner for Ghana

Ghana match-winner Caleb Yirenkyi says his dramatic goal against Panama means little without the team's collective effort after helping the Black Stars begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with victory.

The 20-year-old scored in the 95th minute to seal a 1-0 win in Toronto, becoming one of Ghana's youngest World Cup goalscorers. However, the FC Nordsjaelland midfielder insisted the moment belonged to the entire squad.

"I'm very positive. Not just me, my teammates also," Yirenkyi said after the match.

"We have one goal, and that is to do our best in this tournament. I think that's what we showed today."

Yirenkyi explained that the winning goal came from a move the team had repeatedly worked on in training.

"We won the ball back. I just tried to play forward and then run forward. I got the ball in the box and finished."

"That's what we've been practising since we started our preparation. Get the ball to the wings, put it in the box and make runs. Today we had the chance to finish one."

Despite scoring the decisive goal on his World Cup debut, Yirenkyi remained focused on the bigger picture.

"The feeling is great, but I stay humble. I want to do more for the team and the country. We all hope for the best, not just for myself, but for everyone."

Ghana now turn their attention to a crucial Group L meeting with England, with Yirenkyi insisting the Black Stars will continue taking the tournament one match at a time.