The group opener is scheduled to kick off at 23:00 GMT exactly.
The Black Stars who are aiming to redeem their image and make a big case for their return to the Mundial seeks a brilliant start to the campaign with Panama also eager to set a fine tone to the tournament. It’s already considered a blockbuster for both nations, as a win for either side offers them a better edge.
The Black Stars are without a competitive win in their last seven matches, a run that includes defeats to Austria, Germany and Mexico, raising questions about their momentum heading into the global showpiece.
The West African side secured their place at the Mundial in a convincing manner, topping their CAF qualifying group with eight wins, one draw and a single defeat, finishing six points clear of Madagascar.
However, takes on Panama with a new trainer Carlos Queiroz after head coach Otto Addo departed following back to back defeats to Austria and Germany during the March international break.
Queiroz who managed South Africa, Egypt and Iran at the World Cup is tasked to lead the Black Stars through to the knock out phase of the tournament.
Panama following a good run of form to qualify in the CONCACAF, by going unbeaten in the second round to secure their place at the tournament is booming with some level of confidence, ahead of their first game.
While they struggled in early friendlies—highlighted by a heavy defeat to Brazil at the Maracanã—the Central American side have shown resilience and tactical organisation under Thomas Christiansen.
At their previous World Cup appearance in 2018, Panama exited at the group stage without a win. This time, they are targeting a first-ever progression to the knockout rounds, buoyed by the expanded tournament format.
Form
Ghana form (all competitions):
L L L L L L D
Panama form (all competitions):
L D W L W D
Expected line-ups
Ghana: Ati-Zigi; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Owusu, Yirenkyi; Nuamah, Boakye, Semenyo; Ayew.
Panama: Mosquera; Ramos, Córdoba, Andrade, Murillo; Godoy, Harvey; Davis, Rodríguez, Díaz; Fajardo.
Prediction
Ghana 1-1 Panama
Ghana looks slight favourites on paper, especially with their experience head coach but their recent form suggests a tightly contested opener, with Panama well positioned to take advantage of any early uncertainty.
Remember, this game against Panama marks Carlos Queiroz second competitive game with the Black Stars team.
A possible draw, looks certain.
