By OkayGoal 
Former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has called on the Black Stars to make a winning start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign by defeating Panama in their opening Group L fixture.
Ghana, four-time African champions, will open their tournament against the Central American side on Wednesday, June 17, at BMO Field in Toronto.
Daara believes an early victory is vital, especially given the team’s mixed build-up to the competition, insisting that maximum points would strengthen their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
“It is crucial for Black Stars to beat Panama to secure all three points to keep their chances of playing in the knockout phase alive,” he told Asempa FM.
The Black Stars have already arrived in Toronto and are expected to hold a mandatory training session ahead of the encounter.
Following their opener, Ghana will face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before wrapping up their Group L campaign against Croatia on June 27 as they target a place in the knockout round.