"I know what I have to do to stop Kane, and what just happened proves my ability," Bonsam told the Daily Star on 24/6. "I don't want him to get injured; it is enough for him to stay away from our goal. I do everything for Ghana."

In the match against Ghana on 24/6, Kane underperformed in Boston. The 32-year-old Bayern striker had one shot on target against Ghana and even missed a clear-cut opportunity in the 86th minute, resulting in a 0-0 draw.

Harry Kane (in white, number 9) expresses regret after missing a chance during England's 0-0 draw with Ghana in the second match of Group L at the 2026 World Cup, held at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Boston, USA on 23/6. *AP*

Not only Kane, but the entire England team also showed a very different performance compared to their opening match against Croatia, where they won 4-2. Throughout the match, Thomas Tuchel's players took 19 shots, but only three of those forced the opposing goalkeeper to make a save.

England had 78,8% ball possession against Ghana but failed to score. This is the highest possession percentage for a team in World Cup history (since 1966) in a match where they failed to score.

The performance of Kane and his teammates somewhat undermined the credibility of 79-year-old fellow countryman and illusionist Uri Geller, who had claimed to cast a spell before the match, hoping the "Three Lions" captain would score. Geller is known for previously claiming to have used psychic powers to influence Gary McAllister's missed penalty in the Scotland versus England match at Euro 1996.

Even the best strikers have off days. However, superstitious fans of the former Tottenham player can be relieved, as the Ghanaian witch doctor himself personally lifted the curse.

"I am the most powerful witch doctor in the world. Now I will lift the curse on Kane so he can score when England plays Panama in the next match," Bonsam said in a social media video on 25/6. "Harry, I love you. See you, my brother."

Nana Kwaku Bonsam, whose real name is Stephen Osei Mensah, was once a Christian. He converted and changed his name in 1992 after being burned in an explosion. In Akan, Ghana's indigenous language, Bonsam means "devil."

The 53-year-old witch doctor gained fame 12 years ago when he claimed to have cursed Cristiano Ronaldo, causing him injury. The Portuguese striker arrived at the 2014 World Cup not in the best physical condition, and his team was eliminated right after the group stage. Nevertheless, it was Ronaldo who scored the decisive goal, leading to Bonsam's Ghana losing 1-2 and being eliminated early in Brazil 12 years ago.

By Vy Anh