Riding the Union Pearson Express to the Toronto Airport, the rains have refused to stop since Ghana’s game kicked off last night in Toronto.

The rains are not as heavy back home but I have to respect the consistency of the downpour. You would surely get wet, walking under the rain and I had no umbrella.

Ghana left it late to record another win for Africa. The game against Panama was a poor one. Both teams were playing below par with no clear cut chances. Panama had the better chances especially in the 1st half but Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the 95th minute to give the Black Stars all 3 points.

It was great connecting with some Ghanaians before the game – Mr. Gideon, his friend and their family. I enjoyed the conversation, club banter and beauty of the game. I also had a reunion with Gattuso – not the Italian one, the FUTO one. Thanks Ebuka.

The Panama rally was colourful. A sea of Red covered the streets close to the stadium and Fan Festival area. The chants, the song, the work, the joy – shame they were stung by a late goal.

Before Ghana’s game, Harry Kane scored twice as England defeated Croatia 4-2. My support wasn’t wasted. Three of the goals were provided by an Arsenal player. Madueke was fouled in the box, Kane converted the penalty after a second attempt. Croatia equalized but Rice’s corner was headed in by Kane for 2-1. At the stroke of half time, the Croats stroke again 2-2. Jude Bellingham made it 3-2. Saka came on and assisted Marcus Rashford for 4-2.

Cristiano Ronaldo fired blanks as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo DR. Never scored the opener in the 6th minute but Yoane Wissa grabbed the equalizer in the 50th. The Portuguese had opportunities to get a winner but their decision making and execution in the final third was lacking.

In the final first round group game of the tournament, Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1. They top group K ahead of Portugal.

So it has been an eventful group match 1 for everyone. Lionel Messi is the star of the Round. Cape Verde’s “draw victory” over Spain stands out.

From an African perspective, it has been a good one especially for the West African teams. Wins for Cote d’Ivoire & Ghana, draws for Cape Verde, Morocco & Congo DR and defeat for Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa & Senegal.

Today, action resumes in the 2nd group game of the World Cup. In Group A, Czech and South Africa will need to kick-start their world cup with a win. A draw will do more harm to both teams. Mexico will play Korea for the rights to finish top of the group.

In Group B, all 4 teams started with 1-1 draws. Are we going to have another batch of draws? Will they all play draw in this group? Switzerland will want to atone for their missed chances by seeing off fellow Europeans Bosnia and Herzegovina. Co-hosts Canada need to give the nation 3 points against Qatar in Vancouver.

Like every tournament, we have had all kinds of games. Let’s start Round 2.