Derek Boateng blames Black Stars coach for Ghana’s World Cup exit
Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has criticised Carlos Queiroz’s team selection after the Black Stars were knocked out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Colombia.
Ghana lost 1-0 in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, with Jhon Arias scoring the only goal of the match in the 14th minute.
The result brought Ghana’s World Cup campaign to an end and has intensified scrutiny of the decisions made by Queiroz, who resigned after the tournament.
Boateng, who played for Ghana at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, said the Black Stars lacked balance from the start and were unable to match Colombia’s intensity.
He questioned the decision to restore goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi to the starting line-up after injury, with Benjamin Asare dropping to the bench.
Boateng also highlighted the omission of defender Jonas Adjetey, who had impressed during the group stage, as Pafos FC centre-back Derick Luckassen was selected instead.
Speaking on GTV SportsPlus, Boateng said Colombia controlled the match from the opening minutes.
“We didn’t play our game from the beginning. The Colombians dictated the game for us; they played the type of game they wanted to play,” he said.
“We were just chasing them all the time, and what is sad is that we lost all the second balls in the game.”
He added that Ghana struggled in midfield and failed to compete for possession after Colombia’s early goal.
“We couldn’t win any second balls, and that is what they were doing. They hurt us so much with the second balls and passed the ball so easily,” Boateng said.
The former midfielder said he believed Ghana had players capable of matching Colombia’s physical approach, but argued that they were not used effectively.
“You need players who can run, who can match the Colombians, and we had those players on the bench,” he said.
“I don’t blame the players. I have to look at the coaching because the coaches, what are they doing there?
“For me, I feel like from the start of the game we lost already because of the players chosen.”
Colombia took the lead when Arias finished from close range after being set up by Luis Suárez.
Ghana pushed for an equaliser but were unable to find a breakthrough, ending a campaign in which they reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Black Stars beat Panama 1-0, drew with England and lost 2-1 to Croatia during the group stage.
Queiroz had taken charge in April on a short-term contract and announced his resignation after Ghana’s elimination.
The team will now focus on preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin in September.
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