England opened with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, with Kane scoring twice as he began his attempt to win a second World Cup Golden Boot. That start makes him the obvious focus for Ghana’s defence, regardless of the pre-match noise.
Bonsam says he is “working on Harry Kane” before the meeting in Boston, but there is no practical substitute for stopping the supply into England’s striker. Ghana will need to limit crosses, deny Kane room to link play and prevent midfield runners from exploiting the spaces he creates.
The witch doctor insisted: “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.”
Similar claims followed Bonsam around the 2014 World Cup, when he said Cristiano Ronaldo’s knee problem was “spiritual”. Ronaldo still played against Ghana and scored the winner in Portugal’s 2-1 victory, offering a striking reminder that tournament football is settled on the pitch.
For Thomas Tuchel and England, the response should be measured. Kane’s role is too important for the team to become distracted, while Ghana’s players must turn attention back to defensive discipline and transition threat.
When England face Ghana on Tuesday, Kane’s movement and finishing will be the clearest test of the Black Stars’ plan. A win would strengthen England’s route through the group before the next fixture against Panama in New Jersey on Saturday.