Jerome Opoku’s lifelong dream became a reality when he made his first competitive start for Ghana, helping the Black Stars secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Istanbul Basaksehir defender, who had only featured in friendly matches before, earned his place in Otto Addo’s starting lineup after a brief appearance against Chad. Stepping onto the pitch in Kumasi, Opoku seamlessly adapted to the coach’s three-back system—a structure he knows well from club football.

Reflecting on his milestone moment, the 26-year-old expressed both pride and gratitude. “I’ve been really working hard and looking forward to getting a chance in the national team, and I knew such a day would come for me to help the team,” he told Sportsblog247.com.

“For me, it’s always been a dream and a privilege to wear the national colors and defend the nation,” he added, his excitement evident after a composed and confident performance.

Opoku’s debut came at a crucial time as Ghana pushed to establish dominance in Group I of the qualifiers. With this victory propelling the Black Stars to the top of the table, the defender remains laser-focused on the journey ahead.

“We know it’s not done yet, so we stay focused and make sure we get the job done,” he declared, already setting his sights on the upcoming fixtures.

As Ghana marches forward in their World Cup quest, Jerome Opoku’s breakthrough marks not just a personal triumph but a promising addition to the Black Stars’ defensive lineup.