{"id":1462,"date":"2026-06-18T17:32:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T17:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=1462"},"modified":"2026-06-18T17:32:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T17:32:44","slug":"2026-world-cup-i-want-to-start-every-game-but-i-understand-my-role-for-ghana-brandon-thomas-asante","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=1462","title":{"rendered":"2026 World Cup: “I want to start every game but I understand my role for Ghana” – Brandon Thomas-Asante"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante has admitted he would prefer to start matches for Ghana, while stressing that he fully understands the importance of accepting different roles within the team.<\/p>\n

The Coventry City striker made a decisive impact from the bench in Ghana\u2019s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup fixture, providing the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi\u2019s stoppage-time winner in a 1-0 victory over Panama at BMO Field in Toronto on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on his contribution, Thomas-Asante said he was satisfied with the team\u2019s result, even if he personally would have liked to get on the scoresheet.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanted to do what I did, really. I would have probably liked a goal as well, but the main thing was the win,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He acknowledged the reality of competition at international level, noting that even though every player wants to start, impact roles are often just as important.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy style of play, I\u2019m very fortunate that a lot of times in my career, even if I\u2019m on the bench, there\u2019s an opportunity to come and impact the game. Obviously, I want to start every game, but in my career, you know that is not how football works.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have to be ready for any occasion, and today my job was to try and impact it from the bench, and I\u2019m happy that I could contribute in some way. It\u2019s about the team performance because to go to that point at 0-0, defending solidly, having a few chances, that is what the team did before I came on, so credit to them and to Caleb for the goal,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Thomas-Asante\u2019s introduction proved decisive as Ghana maintained their discipline throughout a tight contest before finally breaking through in stoppage time.<\/p>\n

The victory leaves Ghana second in Group L, behind England, who began their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia.<\/p>\n

Attention now shifts to Ghana\u2019s highly anticipated clash with England at Gillette Stadium on June 23, before they conclude their group-stage fixtures against Croatia four days later.<\/p>\n

With three points already secured, Carlos Queiroz\u2019s side will aim to build momentum as they pursue a first World Cup knockout-stage appearance since their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2010.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n