18.06.2026 10:01
In the World Cup match where Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 with a goal in the 90+5th minute, Ghanaian fans who were alleged to have performed witchcraft in the stands before the match drew attention. As last-minute goal controversies reignited debates about witchcraft, the match was discussed not only for its on-field result but also for the scenes in the stands.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match, Ghana faced Panama. Played in Toronto, Canada, Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 with a goal scored by Caleb Yirenkyi in the 90+5th minute. Yirenkyi, who celebrated wildly after the last-minute goal, drew attention when he tore his jersey during the celebration.
SCENES AT THE START OF THE MATCH BECOME A TRENDING TOPIC
The images captured by cameras turned towards the stands at the very beginning of the match caused a huge stir on social media. Moments when some Ghanaian fans performed a ritual by throwing powder into the air were broadcast on screens. After the images quickly spread, many users claimed that this was a "magic ritual."
"THE MAGIC WORKED" COMMENTS POUR IN
After the score remained 0-0 for a long time, Ghana's winning goal in the 90+5th minute further fueled the debate. Many users on social media connected the pre-match images with the last-minute goal, making humorous posts. Comments such as "The magic worked," "The ritual paid off," and "It waited 90 minutes but finally showed its effect" stood out.
THE NAME OF THE RITUAL COMES TO THE AGENDA
Following the images, some users suggested that the practice in question might be linked to rituals known as "Macumba." Although Macumba is often associated in popular culture with magic or mystical practices, it is known as a broad concept referring to spiritual balance, healing, and spiritual practices in various cultural and religious traditions.
ANOTHER TOPIC OF DEBATE
Meanwhile, how the powder seen in the stands was brought into the stadium also became a matter of curiosity on social media. After the match, both Ghana's last-minute victory and the intriguing scenes in the stands became among the most talked-about events of the World Cup.