It’s a disappointing result – Carlos Queiroz after Colombia eliminated Ghana from the World Cup

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz said the Black Stars’ World Cup exit was “disappointing” after they were beaten 1-0 by Colombia in the Round of 32 in Kansas City.

Jhon Arias scored the only goal in the 14th minute to send Colombia through and bring Ghana’s campaign to an end at the first knockout stage.

Queiroz praised his players’ commitment but accepted that Colombia had been the stronger side in key areas of the game.

“It’s a disappointing result,” the Portuguese coach said.

“It’s disappointing because the boys worked hard. They tried their best. But the reality is that, on the day, especially in terms of passing and controlling the game, the Colombia team was better.”

Colombia were forced into an early change when Jhon Córdoba went off with a groin injury. His replacement, Luis Suárez, made an immediate impact, delivering a precise cross to the back post for Arias to finish from close range.

Ghana struggled to recover from the early setback and found it difficult to create meaningful openings against a disciplined Colombia defence.

Although the Black Stars enjoyed spells of possession, they could not turn their build-up play into clear chances and failed to register a shot on target.

Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi made several important saves to keep Ghana in the contest, but the team lacked the attacking edge needed to find an equaliser.

The defeat leaves Ghana reflecting on a campaign that offered moments of promise but ended with a familiar sense of frustration, as their hopes of progressing further at the World Cup were brought to a halt.

Jamaldeen Wiayuka

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