Sports
Black Stars’ Brandon Thomas-Asante Pushes for Starting Role After Match-Winning Assist Against Panama
Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante says he understands the importance roles in football, but he would want to start as many games as possible.
The Coventry City forward came off the bench to set up Caleb Yirenkyi for the Black Stars in their opening game at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday evening.
Yirenkyi’s goal was the deciding moment of the game as Ghana registered their first win in seven games to pick up all three points against Panama.
Asked about his role in the game, the forward said, “I just wanted to do what I did really. I would have probably liked a goal as well but the main thing was the win.”
“My style of play I’m very fortunate that a lot of times in my career even if I’m on the bench there’s 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.
“I’d like to start every game, but I know that’s not how football works. Today, my job was impact the game from the bench and I’m happy that I did that” – Brandon Thomas-Asante#JoySports pic.twitter.com/vWN7USs8zJ
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) June 18, 2026
“You have to be ready for any occasion, and today my job was to try and impact it from the bench, and I’m happy that I could contribute in some way. It’s 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.”
Following his impressive outing against Panama, Thomas-Asante will be hoping he has done enough to convince head coach Carlos Queiroz ahead of the team’s second game against England.
John Terry Confident England Have What It Takes to Lift World Cup Trophy
As England prepare to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026
campaign against Croatia on Wednesday evening, former England captain and SuperSport FIFA World Cup analyst John Terry believes the Three Lions have a genuine opportunity to end decades of hurt and bring football’s greatest prize home.
Terry, who is part of SuperSport’s star-studded FIFA World Cup analyst team , has been closely following England’s preparations and is optimistic about what lies ahead for his country.
The Chelsea legend believes England arrive at the tournament with one of the strongest squads in world football and a growing sense of belief that they can go all the way.
“I’m extremely excited to see England at this World Cup,” said Terry. “We have had a couple of good tournaments over the last few years. We have a really good squad of players and, more importantly, I feel like we have a real chance of going on to win this World Cup.”
“I think Harry Kane is pivotal to that. If we can keep Harry fit, he’s our captain, our goalscorer, and he plays a big role for us both on and off the pitch. So, I’m very positive when it comes to England.”
England’s World Cup journey begins against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June at 8PM, a fixture that promises to provide an early indication of whether Thomas Tuchel’s side can live up to the lofty expectations that continue to surround one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
For Terry, optimism is not simply built on emotion or patriotism. It stems from the quality that exists throughout the England squad and the progress made over recent years.
“We do kind of preach that and sing it before tournaments,” Terry said with a smile, referencing England’s famous “It’s Coming Home” anthem.
“But I think there’s definitely a connection with the supporters now. They can see the transition under Gareth Southgate and the great work he did.”
“I think they’re hopeful that Thomas Tuchel can make the difference as well.”
“In England, we’re positive, which is always a good place to be. The first objective is to get out of the group and, if possible, top the group. After that, it becomes knockout football. You need a little bit of luck as well as quality.”
“I’ve said this all along. I think the strength of our squad surpasses that of many other countries, so hopefully that’s going to be a big plus for us.”
While Terry is encouraged by England’s prospects, he admits there were a few notable omissions from the final squad that will compete in North America.
Among them is Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, a player Terry believes could still offer significant value at tournament level.
“I’m happy with the squad, but obviously I would have personally included a couple of others,” he said. “I think Harry Maguire would have been in my squad for sure, and Cole Palmer as well.”
“Palmer hasn’t had his best season for Chelsea, but I think players who have that bit of brilliance about them — and he certainly does — are important.”
“He scored for us at the last Euros against Spain as well. He’s a player who can produce on the big stage and, for me, you want those players on the plane.”
Another player Terry believes could have made a major impact is Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose recent move to Spanish giants Real Madrid has once again placed him among the most talked-about footballers in Europe.
“I think he offers a really solid option,” Terry explained. “He’s very good going forward and his delivery becomes a big factor as well, whether that’s in the final 10 minutes of games or in other situations.
“Set pieces are such a big part of football now, and I think he could have played quite a significant role.”
Of course, if England are to lift the trophy on 19 July, they will have to overcome some of the world’s elite footballing nations.
When asked who he believes stands between England and World Cup glory, Terry did not hesitate.
“I would see France as the favourites,” he said. “Their attacking options and threat are so vast and so deep. They’ve got so much talent, and we’ve seen that in the Champions League and across European football this year.”
“The weather is going to play a big part. Teams that dominate possession and are comfortable on the ball are going to frustrate and tire other teams, so that is going to be an important factor as well. France and Spain are particularly strong in that area.”
As one of SuperSport’s leading analysts during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Terry has provided viewers with expert insight, tactical analysis and unrivalled experience throughout the tournament.
The former England captain is among a world-class lineup of football experts assembled by SuperSport to bring fans closer to the game’s biggest stars, stories and moments.
Terry is also enjoying his return to South Africa, a country he last visited during the unforgettable 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“I’m super excited to be back,” he said. “The last time was in 2010, so a very long time ago.”
“I’m hoping to come back in the not-too-distant future with my family because this trip is work related, so it’s a bit difficult to do much sightseeing. But I’m enjoying the weather.”
“I know this is your winter, but it feels like summer to me, so I’m enjoying the sunshine.”
With England’s World Cup adventure about to begin, Terry believes the ingredients are there for something special.
“The quality is unquestionable. The belief is growing. And if Harry Kane remains fit and firing, England’s hopes of ending their long wait for global glory may be more realistic than ever.”
Where to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026
Fans can watch every FIFA World Cup 2026 match live on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access. All matches are also available to stream on supported packages, ensuring flexible viewing options wherever you are.
Business
Fitch predicts 5.0% growth rate for Ghana in 20226
Fitch Ratings is predicting in its latest report a growth rate of 5.0% for Ghana in 2026.
This is lower than the 5.9% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate achieved in 2025.
Its rating is based on the Middle East war, which has reached another dimension.
The UK-based firm disclosed that Sub-Saharan African (SSA) sovereigns face the external shock precipitated by the US-Iran war from a stronger starting point than when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
It said improvements to monetary, fiscal and macroeconomic policy settings and metrics have enhanced the region’s resilience, but the war’s impact will test its depth and durability.
Key transmission channels are higher costs for energy imports, possible supply shortages (notably of refined oil products and fertilizer, domestic inflationary pressures, and the cost of fiscal support measures.
“Our baseline forecasts are for real GDP [Gross Domestic Product] to grow in all Fitch-rated SSA sovereigns this year, with the median of 4% unchanged from 2025. But some oil importers are exposed to a supply shock, which may be exacerbated by efforts to prevent the full pass-through of international fuel price moves incentivising speculative hoarding and artificially boosting demand”, it said.
Headline inflation is rising, but Fitch said often from a fairly low base, reflecting greater currency stability. “Central banks are well positioned to respond as most are running positive real policy rates, despite cuts pre-war facilitated by the previously subdued inflation backdrop”.
External Positions Stronger than in 2022
It continued that external positions are generally stronger than in 2022, with narrower current account deficits in several sovereigns and reserves of at least three months of current external payments.
It added that greater exchange-rate flexibility has also boosted resilience to shocks in some sovereigns. High prices for some export commodities can offset higher energy prices, depending on the composition of trade.
“Revenue mobilisation efforts and subsidy reforms have strengthened public finances since 2022, but political and social pressures were, to varying degrees, already a constraint on fiscal adjustment. Fiscal measures to ease the pass-through of energy prices have been widespread, but generally time-limited and small”, it concluded.