Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has declared that the Black Stars have a responsibility to keep Africa’s World Cup dream alive when they face Colombia in Saturday’s Round of 32 clash, insisting it is their “duty” to ensure another African nation reaches the last 16.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter in Kansas City, the experienced Portuguese tactician said Ghana are determined to reverse the trend of African teams falling at the first knockout hurdle.
Ghana progressed to the knockout phase as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after an impressive group-stage campaign. They were among a record nine African nations to qualify for the knockout rounds from the 10 teams representing the continent at the expanded FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
However, Africa’s challenge has steadily diminished, with South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast and DR Congo all suffering Round of 32 exits. Morocco remain the only African nation to have secured a place in the last 16, leaving Ghana with the opportunity to strengthen the continent’s presence in the competition.
“It’s another challenge for us,” Queiroz told reporters.
“We have to improve these statistics tomorrow. We have to make it better. It is on our shoulders to make sure we add another African team to the next round. That’s our duty.”
The 73-year-old coach, appointed by Ghana in April and now managing at his fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup, believes his side possess the resilience and fighting spirit needed to overcome one of South America’s strongest teams.
“The fighting spirit is in the DNA of these boys in Ghana,” Queiroz said.
“It is not something you can build or buy. It is in their blood. They are tremendous fighters and I am very proud to be their coach.”
Queiroz, who previously managed Colombia, acknowledged the quality of Saturday’s opponents but insisted his players would battle until the final whistle.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew also drew inspiration from Ghana’s memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa – still the country’s best performance at the tournament.
“It was amazing,” Ayew said. “Those are the moments we want to bring back to our country.”
The veteran forward dismissed suggestions that Colombia’s higher FIFA ranking would make them overwhelming favourites, stressing that knockout football often defies expectations.
“In football, every game starts 50-50,” he said.
“Tomorrow will be another very tight match. We are going to do our best and put on a show. We will see what happens, but what I can guarantee is that we will definitely make Ghana proud and make Africa proud.”
Victory over Colombia would see Ghana join Morocco in the World Cup last 16 and revive memories of the Black Stars’ historic 2010 campaign, when they came within a penalty shoot-out of becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
