Ghana triumphs as Congo frustrates Portugal in World Cup start
African teams have made an encouraging start to the FIFA World Cup, with Ghana securing a dramatic win against Panama.
Black News 
African nations are making their presence felt at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Ghana securing a dramatic victory and DR Congo earning a memorable draw against European giants Portugal.
The continent’s representatives have enjoyed an encouraging start to the tournament, showing resilience and quality against some of the world’s strongest teams.
Ghana’s late victory over Panama and Congo’s hard-fought draw with Portugal have added to growing optimism among African football fans.
African side Ghana leaves it late to defeat Panama
African powerhouse Ghana claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama on Wednesday night thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Caleb Yirenkyi.
The match appeared destined for a draw until the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time when Yirenkyi finished off a sweeping counterattack with a simple tap-in, sparking wild celebrations among Ghanaian supporters in Toronto.
The first half was a cautious affair, with both teams reluctant to take risks.
Panama enjoyed the better of the opening period, but Ghana emerged stronger after the break and gradually took control of the contest.
Both sides created chances in a much more open second half, but it was Ghana that ultimately found the breakthrough when it mattered most.
Three points could prove vital in the ‘Group of Death’
The victory could have major implications in Group L, which has been dubbed the “Group of Death” because of the presence of European heavyweights England and Croatia.
Many observers expected Ghana and Panama to battle for third place in the group, making Wednesday’s encounter a must-win fixture for both nations.
By securing all three points, Ghana has given itself a valuable platform ahead of tougher tests against England and Croatia.
Panama, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle to stay alive in the competition with those two giants still to come.
African team frustrates Portugal in historic result
Earlier on Wednesday, DR Congo produced one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by holding Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to a 1-1 draw.
The result marked a memorable return to the World Cup stage for Congo, which was appearing in the tournament for the first time in 52 years and only the second time in its history.
Playing before a crowd of 68 777 spectators at NRG Stadium, the majority of whom supported Portugal, Congo showed remarkable determination against one of Europe’s traditional powers.
Portugal made a dream start when João Neves headed home a Pedro Neto cross in the sixth minute to give his side an early lead.
However, Congo refused to be intimidated and grew into the match as the game progressed.
Wissa writes history for Congo
The African side was rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Yoane Wissa headed home from an Arthur Masuaku cross to level the score.
The goal was historic, becoming Congo’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup.
Wissa’s strike sparked celebrations among the small pockets of Congolese supporters inside the stadium and helped his side earn a valuable point against a team many expected to win comfortably.
Africa’s promising start continues
Congo’s achievement follows Cape Verde’s impressive 0-0 draw against Spain earlier in the week, another result that highlighted the growing competitiveness of African teams on football’s biggest stage.
With Ghana securing a victory, Congo holding Portugal and Cape Verde frustrating Spain, Africa’s representatives have already shown they are capable of challenging some of the world’s most established football nations.
As the tournament progresses, hopes will continue to grow that African teams can build on this strong start and make deep runs into the knockout stages.
