"The Goal Was to Help the Team" – Black Stars Newboy Caleb Yirenkyi Reflects on Debut Performance

Accra, Ghana –
New Black Stars defender Caleb Yirenkyi has described his senior national team debut as a “special moment” and emphasized that his main focus was to contribute to the team’s collective effort, not personal accolades.

Yirenkyi, who recently earned his first call-up under Coach Otto Addo for the Unity Cup 2025, played a solid 90 minutes in Ghana's opening match against Côte d’Ivoire. His composed display, tactical awareness, and calm passing drew praise from fans and pundits alike.

“The goal was simple — help the team. I wasn’t thinking about making headlines or doing anything flashy. I just wanted to do my job,” Yirenkyi told Top Knowledge TV in a post-match interview.

The 22-year-old, who plays his club football in Belgium, is among a new crop of players being integrated into the national side as part of a long-term rebuilding project aimed at AFCON 2026 and World Cup 2026 qualification.

Coach’s Praise

Head Coach Otto Addo commended Yirenkyi’s discipline and maturity, describing his debut as “promising” and “exactly the kind of calm we want at the back.”

“He didn’t try to overcompensate. He played smart, covered well, and stuck to the game plan,” Addo said.

Fan Reactions

Ghanaian fans took to social media to applaud Yirenkyi’s debut. Many hailed him as a “future anchor” for the Black Stars' defense. Some even compared his composure to that of seasoned defenders like Jonathan Mensah and John Boye in their early days.

What’s Next?

With more games ahead in the Unity Cup and AFCON qualifiers looming, Yirenkyi is expected to get more minutes on the pitch. He remains humble but motivated.

“This is just the beginning. I’ll keep learning, keep working, and hopefully become a key part of this team,” he added.