Black Stars Without Kudus · The Battle at the Bottom of Group L
Ghana's entire attacking plan had Mohammed Kudus at its centre. The West Ham star — one of Africa's most explosive forwards — is absent, and the Black Stars must rebuild their attack around him. Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) steps into the focal role and must deliver in a way that changes the squad's entire dynamic.
Thomas Partey provides midfield steel. Jordan Ayew and the Ayew dynasty remain. Ghana have been to four consecutive World Cups and have qualified regularly without ever fully delivering on their potential. They're in a genuinely winnable match here — Panama won't be easy, but without Kudus they'll need a team performance rather than individual brilliance.
Panama are back at the World Cup — their first appearance was Russia 2018, a baptism of fire that ended in three defeats. They qualified through a tighter CONCACAF race and they've improved as a footballing nation. They'll be compact, physically imposing, and will treat this match as the one they can actually win — England and Croatia are too strong, but Ghana without Kudus? That's a realistic point target.
Panama's coaching staff will have done their homework on the Kudus absence. Expect a disciplined low block and dangerous set pieces. They concede less than they create — which makes this match a slog, but not an unwinnable one for the Black Stars.