Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante has said he would prefer to start as many matches as possible, recognising the value of different roles in football.

The number 10 jersey came off the bench to provide the assist for Caleb Yirenkyi (3) in Ghana’s opening game against Panama during the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday evening.

Yirenkyi’s strike proved to be the match-winner as Ghana recorded a 1–0 victory, ending a run of seven games without a win.

Speaking after the match, Thomas-Asante 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,” the Coventry City attacker added.

He said, “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 performance against Panama, Thomas-Asante will be hoping to strengthen his case for a starting place ahead of Ghana’s second Group L game against England.