England, the favourites in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, were held to a scoreless draw on Wednesday, June 23, at the Boston Stadium in a group-stage match.
Parading a star-studded side, the English, ranked fourth in the FIFA Rankings, making their 13th appearance at the biggest football festival, looked fearful on paper, but the young Ghanaian rising stars tamed them, marching boot for boot on the field.
After the first half, where England could not even manage a shot at goal, the confidence of the 65th-ranked Ghanaians grew, and they were determined, disciplined, daring, resolute, and fantastic to watch by the 63,983 fans at the venue.
From the amazing goalkeeper Benjamin Asare of local side Accra Hearts of Oak, Marvin Senaye, Gideon Mensah, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Thomas Partey, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kwesi Sibo, Inaki Wiliams, Antoine Semenyo, and captain Jordan Ayew, the team started well and finished well. The subs, Fatawu Issahaku, Baba Rahman, and Prince Adu, also contributed effectively and efficiently.
The Black Stars, for the first time in many years, were very compact and battled as a team and fought in and out against The Three Lions, led by Coach Thomas Tuchel, who looked frustrated as his team, comprising Goalkeeper Pickford, Gordon, Spence, Guehi, Declan Rice, Madueke, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Saka, Eze, James and others.
Much credit must go to Portuguese Coach Carlos Quiroz, who has changed the mentality and outlook of the Black Stars. He has taught them something, and everything is showing in their performance.
In some of the drama and key moments, like the 86th minute, England substitute Nico O’Reilly met a cross with a looping header that shattered against the crossbar.
In the 87th minute, the ball rebounded directly to an unmarked Harry Kane, who shockingly blazed his shot over an open net from close range. In the 90+3 minute, Marc Guéhi thought he won it with a late header, but Ghana’s defense miraculously cleared it off the line.
The controversy of the match was when Ghana was denied a late penalty review as substitute Prince Kwabena Adu appeared to be brought down by Ezri Konsa. The play was subsequently ruled out due to an offside call against Antoine Semenyo.
Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto and drew goalless with England. The next group game is on Saturday in Philadelphia against Croatia. Although they have qualified, they need to play and score.
The Ghanaian football fans who had travelled far and near to support the team need to be commended. Ghana is a nation that loves football. It is the passion of the nation and brings the people together. The youth of Jamestown, Korle Gonno, Mamprobi, and Chorkor took to the streets jamming after the match.
This year’s World Cup is full of surprises and records. GFA President Kurt Okraku and the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, as well as Vice President Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman and HE John Dramani Mahama, should be congratulated for the massive motivation.
I cannot forget the sponsors of the national team and the national supporters.
Wishing the Black Stars all the best. They have started well and must finish well on the podium. Go Ghana, Go Black Stars.
By Sammy Heywood Okne
