Harry Kane’s missed opportunity against Ghana has sparked a wave of reactions online after a Ghanaian witch doctor claimed he had placed a curse on the England captain before the World Cup clash.
England’s goalless draw against Ghana at the World Cup was already expected to be a tense encounter, but the build-up to the match was dominated by an unusual story involving Harry Kane and a Ghanaian witch doctor.
Before the game, Nana Kwaku Bonsam, a well-known Ghanaian spiritual figure whose name is often translated as “Devil of Wednesday,” claimed that he had placed a curse on Kane in an attempt to stop him from scoring against Ghana.
The claim became one of the biggest talking points before kick-off. And when Kane missed England’s best chance of the match, many fans quickly linked the moment to Nana’s warning.
Harry Kane Misses England’s Best Chance Against Ghana
England entered the match as heavy favourites after beating Croatia 4-2 in their opening World Cup game, with Harry Kane scoring twice. Ghana, meanwhile, had needed a dramatic late goal to beat Panama in their first match.
Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated possession for long periods, but Ghana’s defensive structure frustrated England throughout the game. The Three Lions managed only four shots on target despite controlling much of the ball.
The clearest chance came in the second half. Nico O’Reilly headed against the woodwork, and the rebound fell perfectly for Kane. The Bayern Munich striker, usually one of the most reliable finishers in world football, attempted a left-footed volley but sliced the ball over the bar.
For many England fans, it was the kind of chance they would expect Kane to convert.
Ghanaian Witch Doctor Claimed He Was “Working on Harry Kane”
Ahead of the match, Nana Kwaku Bonsam claimed that he was spiritually targeting Kane to help Ghana avoid defeat.
“I am working on Harry Kane,” Nana said. “I have shown what I am capable of before, so I know what work I must do to stop him. I am very famous for my predictions.”
He added that he was not trying to seriously injure the England captain.
“I am not wishing him serious injury. It will be just enough to stop him against my country. I will do my work so that it can help Ghana.”
The statement gained attention because Nana previously claimed responsibility for the knee problem that threatened Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation in the 2014 World Cup.
Whether fans believe in the curse or not, Kane’s frustrating performance in front of goal gave the story new life after the match.
Fans React Online After Kane’s Miss
Social media users quickly reacted to Kane’s missed chance, with many turning the moment into jokes about the alleged curse.
One fan wrote on X: “Thomas Tuchel got Timo Werner flashbacks when Harry hit that moon ball.”
Another user joked: “Kane didn’t miss, he just got spiritually pressed.”
A third added: “I don’t want to say it worked, but the proof is in the pudding — well, the proof is from the six-yard box actually.”
The reactions reflected the strange mix of football frustration and viral superstition that surrounded the game.
Kane Responds After Wasted Opportunity
Speaking after the match, Kane admitted that the chance was one he would normally expect to score.
“You go through games like that,” Kane said. “I was just waiting for an opportunity like that to fall my way. It was the kind of game as a striker where you’re just waiting for the ball to bounce, and it did.”
He explained that he failed to get over the ball properly.
“I just couldn’t quite get over the ball, but I’d back myself to score that more often than not. It is what it is. I’ve been a striker long enough to know they don’t always go in, so I have to accept it.”
Ghana’s Defensive Plan Frustrates England
Kane also admitted that Ghana’s tactical approach made life difficult for him throughout the match. The Black Stars defended deep and compact, limiting the space available between the lines.
“I was almost man-marked by Thomas Partey for a lot of the game,” Kane said. “I didn’t really have the space to drop deep and then arrive late in the box, and they also defended the box well.”
He added that England struggled to make the most of their attacking deliveries.
“We had plenty of crosses, but we just couldn’t quite get the first contact. The balls through the middle were tough to play because it was so compact in there.”
Ghana’s low block proved highly effective, forcing England into wide areas and reducing clear-cut chances.
England Must Now Beat Panama
The result leaves England needing a win against Panama on Saturday to confirm their place as Group L winners.
After starting the tournament strongly against Croatia, the draw against Ghana raised fresh questions about England’s ability to break down disciplined defensive teams.
For Kane, the focus will now be on responding quickly and putting the missed chance behind him. But for many fans, the strange story of Nana Kwaku Bonsam’s alleged curse will remain one of the most memorable talking points of England’s World Cup campaign so far.
Whether it was superstition, pressure or simply a rare mistake from one of the world’s best strikers, Harry Kane’s miss ensured that Ghana left the match with a valuable point — and that the legend of the witch doctor’s curse only grew stronger.
