Category: Daily Guide Network

Leading real estate and construction firm, MCL Ghana, has unveiled its flagship luxury apartment development, Grand Panache, and named comedian and actor, Michael Blackson as its brand ambassador.

The launch marks MCL Ghana’s latest push into the luxury lifestyle market, with company executives saying the Grand Panache represents elegance, quality, and a bold new direction for the brand.

It brought together stakeholders from Ghana’s real estate sector to witness what company executives described as a landmark moment in the evolution of Ghanaian property development.

Chief Executive Officer of MCL Ghana, Richard M. Donkor, reflected on the company’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the country’s emerging real estate brand.

According to him, MCL Ghana was established a decade ago in a modest three-bedroom bungalow with limited resources but a strong vision to create world-class developments capable of competing on the global stage.

‘We did not start with capital. We started with conviction. And conviction, when it refuses to sit down, eventually builds skyscrapers,’ he told guests.

Mr. Donkor recounted the numerous challenges the company faced during its formative years, including skepticism from potential investors and industry players who doubted the viability of its ambitions.

Despite those obstacles, he said the company remained focused on its vision, gradually progressing from small residential projects to gated communities and premium developments in prime locations.

The CEO described Grand Panache as the culmination of years of determination and innovation, noting that the development represents far more than a luxury apartment complex.

‘Grand Panache is not just where you live. It is where you finally arrive,’ he stated.

Designed to international standards and tailored to modern lifestyles, the development will feature smart-home technology, wellness facilities, concierge services, sky lounges, and luxury residences aimed at meeting the expectations of both local and international investors.

Mr. Donkor said the project reflects Ghana’s growing capacity to deliver world-class infrastructure and premium housing solutions without relying solely on foreign expertise.

He emphasised that every aspect of the development has been driven by Ghanaian talent, from architecture and engineering to construction and project management.

‘We are not just building apartments. We are building proof that Ghana is no longer the future. Ghana is the now,’ he declared.

Explaining the choice of Michael Blackson as the brand ambassador, Mr. Donkor said the company sought an individual whose personal story mirrored MCL Ghana’s own journey of resilience, determination, and global success.

‘We chose Michael Blackson not because he is famous, but because he is faithful to where he came from,’ he said.

The CEO praised Blackson for maintaining strong ties to Ghana despite achieving international recognition in entertainment and philanthropy.

He noted that the comedian’s rise from humble beginnings to Hollywood success serves as an inspiration to young Ghanaians pursuing ambitious dreams.

According to Mr. Donkor, the partnership between MCL Ghana and Michael Blackson represents a shared commitment to promoting Ghanaian excellence and showcasing the country’s potential on the global stage.

He stressed that Grand Panache marks only the beginning of the company’s long-term vision to transform urban living and contribute to national development through strategic investments in housing and infrastructure.

‘MCL Ghana started in a bungalow. Today we touch the sky. Tomorrow, we own the horizon,’ Mr. Donkor said.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mr. Blackson expressed excitement about the partnership, noting his commitment to promoting Ghanaian excellence on the global stage.

Chelsea Football Club is mourning the loss of former record goalscorer Bobby Tambling, who has passed away at the age of 84.

Tambling remains one of the most iconic figures in the club’s history, having scored 202 goals in 370 appearances between 1959 and 1970.

His long-standing scoring record stood for more than four decades before being surpassed by Frank Lampard in 2013.

The striker announced himself in style by scoring on his debut as a 17-year-old and went on to play a key role in Chelsea’s success during the 1960s. He helped the Blues lift the League Cup in 1965, scoring against Leicester City in the final.

Tambling also found the net in the 1967 FA Cup final, although Chelsea suffered defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

A three-time England international, Tambling left Chelsea for Crystal Palace in 1970 before finishing his playing career in Ireland. He later settled in Cork, where he managed several clubs, including Cork Celtic, Cork City and Crosshaven.

In a statement, Chelsea described Tambling as ‘one of our most legendary players’ and extended condolences to his family and friends.

Crosshaven also paid tribute to the former striker, remembering him as ‘a true Chelsea legend and an even more wonderful human being.’ The club praised his warmth, humour and love for Chelsea, noting the pride he took in seeing his famous ‘Tambling 202’ banner displayed at Stamford Bridge.

Tambling had been living with dementia in recent years. His legacy remains firmly etched in Chelsea’s history.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest and most historic tournament yet, featuring a record-breaking 10 African nations.

Football fans across Africa can follow every moment on DStv, with access to live matches and full supporting coverage throughout the competition.

SuperSport will broadcast all 104 matches live. Coverage will include local language commentary, highlights, replays, and expert analysis.

Speaking at the launch of DStv MultiChoice’s 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage, Country CEO of MultiChoice Ghana, Alex Okyere, said the company is working with the police, customs, and other law enforcement agencies to clamp down on illegal telecasts during the tournament.

‘If you’re a pirate and you go ahead to do it, we’ll come after you with the police,’ Mr. Okyere warned.

He added that DStv offers the ultimate viewing experience, transforming your living room into a football stadium.

‘With a powerful mix of local relevance and premium global coverage, DStv ensures the World Cup is not just watched, it is truly experienced,’ he said. Fans are urged to explore the best World Cup DStv packages to secure access.

Fans can watch every FIFA World Cup 2026 match live on DStv Access, DStv Family, DStv Compact, DStv Compact+, and DStv Premium.

Head of Communications at MultiChoice Ghana, Afua Kissi Nyame, described the initiative as the company’s most accessible World Cup campaign yet.

‘This time we are bringing it as low as GHS58. We are giving it to all our customers. We are saying that if you have as little as GHS58, you can watch all 104 matches,’ she said.

She highlighted that SuperSport has lined up exciting punditry, including former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, plus live Twi commentary to make the experience more engaging for Ghanaian fans.

On June 3, 2026, heavy rains that began in the late afternoon overwhelmed already choked drains in several cities. Streets turned to rivers within minutes. In low-lying communities, floodwaters entered homes, swept away vehicles, and cut off roads. Emergency responders moved through the night, but the speed of the downpour made rescue difficult.

As floodwaters rose, a fire outbreak was reported in a separate location. Firefighters battled both elements – water and flame – in conditions that mirrored the June 3, 2015 flood and fire explosion at the Goil Filling Station disaster. Properties worth thousands of cedis were reduced to ashes, and families were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Floods

Heavy rainfall on, June 3, 2026, triggered widespread flooding in Accra and parts of the Greater Accra Region, submerging homes, cutting off major roads and bridges, and displacing families.

The rains began late-afternoon and intensified through the evening. Within an hour, low-lying areas turned into rivers as choked drains and poor drainage systems failed to contain the runoff.

The Odaw River overflowed, flooding shops and trapping commuters. The Kaneshie-Circle stretch was impassable for hours, leaving vehicles stranded.

Residents waded through waist-high water. Several homes lost furniture and appliances to the flood. Floodwaters entered bedrooms and kitchens, forcing families to seek higher ground late into the night.

Major roads including the Kwame Nkrumah Circle interchange, Graphic Road, and parts of the Accra-Tema Motorway experienced heavy congestion. Trotros and taxis charged higher fares as drivers navigated flooded routes. Many workers and students were forced to abandon trips home.

Market traders at Kaneshie and Makola counted losses after water destroyed foodstuffs, textiles, and electronics.

Wednesday’s rains has renewed calls for urgent investment in drainage, enforcement of building regulations, and public education on waste disposal.

‘We are reliving the same story every rainy season. The gutters are full of plastic and silt. When it rains like this, we know trouble is coming’ said a resident at Odawna.

Adenta Building Collapse

Panic gripped Adenta New Site when a multi-storey building under construction collapsed, trapping an unknown number of workers and residents beneath the rubble on Wednesday.

The incident occurred in the afternoon when residents reported hearing a loud crack before the structure gave way. Dust and debris covered the area within seconds, drawing crowds and halting traffic along the Adenta road.

Eyewitnesses say some workers managed to escape before the collapse, while others were caught inside.

‘I was buying food nearby when we heard the sound. We ran and saw the building coming down like paper.’ ‘People were shouting for help from under the rubble,’ a resident recounted.

Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service completed a search and rescue operation following the collapse. According to the service, it received a distress call at 6:36 pm and rescue teams from the National Headquarters, with support from the Legon and Abelemkpe Fire Stations, swiftly arrived at the scene to commence operations.

Five occupants, comprising three adults and two children, were trapped beneath the rubble when the building collapsed. The victims were identified as Margaret Kpeli and Fred Atagba, believed to be in their late 30s, and Solomon, Seyeram Dzigda and David Dzigda children.

Through a coordinated search and rescue effort, four occupants – Fred Atagba, Solomon, Seyeram Dzigda, and David Dzigda were rescued alive with injuries and conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital for treatment. A dog that was also trapped in the collapsed structure was successfully rescued alive during the operation.

Following intensive efforts, the remaining victim, Margaret Kpeli, was retrieved from beneath the rubble in an unconscious state. She was later handed over to the Adenta District Police for preservation and further investigation.

The search and rescue operation was concluded at 10:54pm Wednesday night. The Ghana National Fire Service commended the swift intervention of community members who assisted in the initial rescue of trapped occupants and expressed appreciation to personnel from National Headquarters, Legon Fire Station, Abelemkpe Fire Station, the Ghana Police Service, medical personnel, and all supporting agencies whose collaboration contributed to the operation.

Tudu Fire Outbreak

A fire outbreak at Tudu, just meters from the Accra Regional Police Headquarters, destroyed several shops and goods worth thousands of cedis on Wednesday.

Tudu, known for its dense cluster of wholesale and retail shops, saw panic as shop owners rushed to salvage stock.

Traders say the fire spread quickly due to the congested layout, wooden structures, and flammable goods stored close together.

‘We lost everything – fabrics, electronics, everything I used to feed my family,’ one affected trader told reporters while sifting through charred remains.

Disaster experts say the pattern is familiar: blocked drains, structures on waterways, weak enforcement of building codes, and extreme weather made worse by climate change. Until those root issues are fixed, Ghana remains vulnerable – especially on days when the rains fall hard.

The victims of 2015 deserved a country that learned. The victims of 2026 deserve the same.

May their memories be a blessing – and a reason to act before the next June 3 arrives.

The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has condemned remarks made by Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, directed at former National Youth Authority Deputy CEO, Akosua Manu, describing them as ‘sexually suggestive, demeaning, and misogynistic.’

A statement signed by GenCED Executive Director, Esther Tawiah, said the comments, which circulated on social media, contained explicit sexual connotations incompatible with standards expected in a democratic society.

The group argued that such language reduces women in politics to sexualised stereotypes and undermines their dignity and contributions to public service.

The dispute stems from exchanges between Dr. Amoakohene and Ms. Manu, popularly known as Kozie, which began months ago after the minister posted an image of New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in diapers on Facebook.

As Special Aide to the former Vice President, Ms. Manu criticised the post and urged the minister to respect Dr. Bawumia and the office he held. Dr. Amoakohene later posted the phrase ‘Akosua Kumaa’ on his Facebook page.

GenCED’s statement said the term is a Twi euphemism for female genitalia (clitoris). Days ago, after Ms. Manu made an unrelated Facebook post, the minister again commented. Ms. Manu responded: ‘Prompt your tailor to give allowance to your clothes so it doesn’t cut oxygen to your brain. We need you lucid enough to attempt to solve the problems in Ashanti Region.’

According to GenCED, the minister then replied on Facebook: ‘Akosua kumaa, wokon d? anaa? You want to have a taste of it,’ which the organisation said translates to asking if she desired to have sex with him. ‘These comments are deeply offensive, unacceptable, and undermine the dignity of women in politics,’ GenCED said.

The group noted that women in public life already face discrimination, online abuse, sexist stereotypes, character assassination, and threats to personal safety.

‘Political disagreement is normal, but it must focus on ideas, policies, and leadership choices. Sexual harassment, misogyny, personal degradation, and gender-based humiliation have no place in political discourse,’ the statement read.

GenCED expressed solidarity with Ms. Manu and all women facing harassment in political life, reaffirming its commitment to safe and inclusive democratic spaces.

The organisation warned that normalising gendered attacks sends a message that women must endure humiliation rather than be respected for their competence and leadership, weakening efforts to promote gender equality.

The group also cited the Code of Conduct and Ethics for Ministers and Political Appointees, which requires decorous language, restraint, and respect in public communication. It said the minister’s remarks were inconsistent with those standards and raised concerns about adherence to ethical conduct expected of public officials.

GenCED called for an immediate end to sexist and sexually offensive language in politics and demanded a public apology and retraction of remarks that demean or sexualise women. It urged political parties to enforce internal disciplinary standards and sanction conduct that brings the political space into disrepute.

The organisation further appealed to the Office of the President and relevant state institutions to enforce the Code of Conduct for Ministers and Political Appointees. It also urged media organisations and social media platforms to take a proactive stance against misogynistic content and gender-based abuse.

‘Protecting the dignity of women in politics is not only a gender issue but a democratic imperative that strengthens institutions and fosters national progress,’ GenCED stated.

ýMarking the solemn 11th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 disaster, a powerful call for justice has been issued on behalf of survivors and families of the tragedy, which claimed over 150 lives and injured more than 200 people through a devastating combination of fire, flood, and fuel leaks.

ýSurvivors and families of the deceased expressed their concern over delays in the determination of a lawsuit filed in 2015 over the incident.

ýThey made the appeal during a press conference organised by the One Ghana Movement to mark the 11th anniversary of the June 3 flood and fire disaster in Accra.

ýAddressing the press, Convenor of the One Ghana Movement, Mr. Senyo K. Hosi, stated that victims and families have waited too long for justice and compensation.

ýHe mentioned that, according to the court proceeding, the disaster was entirely needless and could have been preventable.

ýAlso, he said witnesses from both GOIL and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) admitted under cross-examination that stronger regulatory oversight could have averted the tragedy.

According to him, 69 victims filed a landmark class-action lawsuit in 2018 against GOIL, the NPA, Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and the station manager, demanding accountability, compensation, and dignity.

ý’Despite these revelations, the victims continue to face prolonged delays, exacerbated by the AMA’s inconsistent participation and failure to appear in court, which has even attracted legal fines,’ he said.

ý Mr. Hosi, during the press conference, has called upon the President to honour his ‘Resetting Ghana’ agenda by ensuring that the ‘reset’ delivers actual justice, institutional accountability, and relief for the country’s most vulnerable rather than serving as a mere slogan.

ýMr. Hosi appealed to the media to maintain sustained coverage of the landmark trial, ensuring the nation does not look away until justice is finally delivered to the living and honour is brought to the memory of those lost.

ýThe lawyer for the victims, Mr. Etornam Caleb Afutu, disclosed that legal action was brought on behalf of approximately 69 victims against GOIL, the National Petroleum Authority and Accra Metropolitan Assembly for gross negligence, seeking GHS40 million in damages to account for lost lives, ruined property that cannot be recovered, and survivors left permanently unable to work.

ýHe noted that significant progress has been made, with all seven victim witnesses, alongside witnesses for GOIL and the NPA, having already testified; however, legal proceedings against the station dealer, have been discontinued following his passing.

ý’The case is currently handling the testimony of the AMA’s witness, with the court scheduled to reconvene on June 15 and 18 to conclude their evidence, after which GOIL and the NPA may cross-examine the witness,’ he stressed.

ýMr. Afutu emphasised that the matter is finally nearing its end, with a strong possibility that the trial will conclude this year following the submission of written arguments and the subsequent court judgment.

The final edition of ‘Art of Exchange’, a cultural diplomacy initiative by DiplomArts in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana, closed on May 30, 2026, at the Sankofa Africa Center under the auspices of the Rocky Dawuni Foundation.

The evening brought together art, music, and diplomacy outside Accra, creating a rare encounter between Ghana’s creative community and the diplomatic sphere.

The audience was treated to a stunning installation by legendary Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. Four-time Grammy-nominated musician and activist, Rocky Dawuni, then delivered an intimate acoustic performance that had the entire house singing along.

The performance was followed by a conversation with Swiss Ambassador Simone Giger, Ibrahim Mahama, and Rocky Dawuni, moderated by data artist and cultural programmer Whitney Chinonye Ernest.

The discussion explored decentralised artistic practices and the role of creative communities in fostering dialogue, connection, and mutual understanding across sectors and geographies.

The event was co-produced by Laura Rosa Vogel of DiplomArts, Cary Sullivan of the Rocky Dawuni Foundation, and Nazif Idrissou of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana.

As part of the inaugural edition at Sankofa Africa Center, the Rising Star Silent Auction, presented by Accra Art Week, supported emerging artistic talent and arts education in Ghana.

Guests enjoyed Northern Ghanaian delicacies by Chef Dee and wine curated by Kodjo Adovor.

The Aburi gathering moved Art of Exchange beyond Accra, proving that cultural diplomacy thrives in Ghana’s creative hubs too. The audience included distinguished members of the diplomatic community, creative sector, academia, government, civil society, and the private sector.

With its final edition, Art of Exchange leaves a legacy of using contemporary art and music as tools for cross-cultural dialogue – a conversation that started in Accra and ended with the mountains of Aburi echoing the notes.

A 37-year-old illegal miner has been remanded into prison custody by the EKMA District Magistrate Court in the Western Region after being charged with the murder of a 17-year-old girl at Agona Nkwanta in the Ahanta West Municipality.

The accused, Ntow Adade Cudjoe, popularly known as ‘Adade Zee,’ is alleged to have sexually assaulted his wife’s niece before subjecting her to a brutal attack that resulted in her death.

According to the prosecution, the deceased, Olivia Kwofie, had been living with the accused and his wife at Agona Nkwanta for about four months.

Presenting the facts before the court, Prosecutor, Inspector Robert Yawson, said the incident occurred on the night of May 31, 2026.

The accused allegedly informed his wife that he was travelling to a mining site at Nsuaem but secretly returned home later that night and waited near their residence.

The prosecution said Olivia had attended a church service and was returning home in a tricycle, locally known as a ‘pragya,’ when she was allegedly confronted by the accused. He is said to have assaulted her before dragging her into the house.

Inspector Yawson told the court that the accused allegedly restrained the teenager by tying her hands and legs and then sexually assaulted her.

‘Inside the house, the accused tied the girl’s hands behind her back with a rope and bound her legs with a piece of cloth. He then used super glue to seal her mouth to prevent her from screaming before raping her,’ the prosecutor narrated.

Inspector Yawson further alleged that after the incident, the accused took the victim to a nearby bush and inflicted severe injuries on her with a cement block before fleeing the area and going into hiding at Nsuaem.

Olivia was later discovered by farmers at about 4:30 a.m. the following day. The farmers reportedly untied her and alerted the police.

She was rushed to the Agona Nkwanta Polyclinic for treatment but was later pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Police investigations subsequently led to the arrest of the suspect at his hideout in Nsuaem on June 2, 2026.

He was formally charged with murder and arraigned before the court, which remanded him into prison custody to allow for further investigations.

A High Court in Accra has set July 3, 2026 to deliver its judgment in the trial of Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), who is accused of facilitating others to mine on his Akonta Mining Company Limited’s concession at Samreboi without ministerial approval.

The court, presided over by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay, has given the prosecution and the defence lawyers up to June 17 to file written addresses if they wish to do so.

Charges

Chairman Wontumi has been charged with one count of assignment of mineral rights without approval, and another count of purposely facilitating an unlicensed mining operation, contrary to Section 99(2)(b) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended by Section 3 of the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2019 (Act 995).

His company, Akonta Mining and another person identified as Kwame Antwi, who is on the run, have been charged with the same offences. They have both denied the charges.

Prosecution’s Case

Prosecution’s first witness, Michael Gyedu Ayisi, an artisanal miner, told the court that he worked under Henry Okum on the Samreboi concession and that he got to know that the concession belonged to Wontumi based on information provided by Okum.

While under cross-examination by Andy Appiah-Kubi, he indicated that he had never interacted with Chairman Wontumi on a personal level and had no documentary evidence showing Wontumi had assigned or transferred the concession to anyone.

The second witness, Henry Okum, a small-scale miner, testified that he entered into a verbal arrangement with Chairman Wontumi to undertake land reclamation and mining activities on the Samreboi concession.

However, he confirmed under cross-examination that there was no written agreement, deed of assignment, or ministerial approval validating the alleged arrangement between him and Chairman Wontumi.

Joseph Iroko, a Senior Manager (Legal) at the Minerals Commission, on his part, said a search of the Commission’s records revealed no application, approval, or documentation indicating that Akonta Mining Company Limited had assigned or transferred its concession at Samreboi to Henry Okum, adding that in the absence of ministerial approval, no assignment could be considered formally recognised.

The case investigator, Detective Chief Inspector Sarfo Asiedu Kwasi, testified about police investigations into mining operations at Samreboi and parts of the Tano Nimiri Forest.

He said police arrested 29 suspects and seized excavators, gold, firearms, ammunition, and cash.

During cross-examination, he told the court that Chairman Wontumi was not present at the site during the police operation, and that none of the arrested persons was identified as an employee of Akonta Mining Limited.

Chairman Wontumi’s Defence

Chairman Wontumi’s first witness, Wisdom Edem Gomashie, told the court that the verbal permission granted to Henry Okum, for the purpose of undertaking land reclamation does not constitute assigning mineral rights by Wontumi and Akonta Mining Limited.

According to him, he had reviewed the charges levelled against Wontumi and his company, and from his professional background on the back of Act 703 and in line with the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations (L.I. 2176), it explains what it means to assign mineral rights.

Asked under cross-examination by Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai if he had any idea whether Henry Okum had mined on the land, the witness said he had no idea.

The second witness, George Mireku-Duker, former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mining, told the court that Akonta Mining Limited’s concession was invaded by illegal miners and a report of same was forwarded to the ministry during his tenure.

According to him, in response to the said encroachment which was prevalent in the Western Region, he led a team of security officers to the said concession to arrest the ‘recalcitrant’ illegal miners who had encroached on the land.

Chairman Wontumi then mounted the witness box and denied ever permitting any person to undertake mining on his Samreboi concession.

He told the court that the company had acquired a lease but since there was no parliamentary ratification, the company did not undertake any mining operations on the concession.

He also told the court that neither him nor Akonta Mining Limited gave Henry Okum permission to mine on the land.

Former Western Regional Minister and Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, also ‘categorically and unequivocally’ rejected the assertion that Chairman Wontumi and Akonta Mining Company Limited were engaged in or facilitating illegal mining on the company’s concession at Samreboi.

Under cross-examination, Mr. Darko-Mensah said he has no information on what transpired between Chairman Wontumi and Henry Okum.

Chairman Wontumi’s last witness, Evans Addae, basically testified that as at today, illegal miners were still on the Samreboi concession.

He also indicated that Wontumi never went to the concession, and tendered in evidence a video capturing illegal mining activities on the concession.

Under cross-examination, Addae said he does not know anything about Chairman Wontumi instructing someone to work on his concession.

Black Stars defender, Jerome Opoku, has urged supporters to remain patient with the national team following their 1-1 draw against Wales in an international friendly at Cardiff City Stadium.

Ghana delivered an encouraging performance and appeared on course for victory after Caleb Yirenkyi broke the deadlock in the second half. However, Wales salvaged a draw late on through Lewis Koumas, denying the Black Stars a winning start to their final round of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite the late setback, Opoku believes there were plenty of positives to take from the match, particularly considering the limited time head coach Carlos Queiroz has had to work with the squad.

‘I thought it was a performance for us to be proud of,’ the defender said after the game. ‘As the head coach mentioned, we felt we should have won. It’s now about improving the small details and building on what we showed.’

Opoku also pointed to the challenges faced by the team in the lead-up to the fixture, revealing that several players arrived in camp late because of visa-related issues.

‘The key word is time,’ he said. ‘With the short period we’ve had together and new players joining the squad, I was pleased with the performance. It shows that with more time working together, we can become a much stronger team.’

Queiroz confirmed after the match that some members of the squad only arrived from London on the eve of the game after resolving documentation problems, leaving the team with just one full training session before taking on Wales.