Ghana is among the qualified teams to the 32nd stage of the FIFA World Cup after placing third, securing four points in Group L, winning against Panama, drawing with England, and losing to Croatia.
But the people of Ghana, both at home and abroad, are not happy with the display of some players, especially in the third group game against Croatia, who are though ranked 11th in the world. When the Black Stars lost 2-1.
Sources revealed they wanted to avoid facing Portugal in the next round, so Ghana will play Colombia, and they are comfortable with that.
But they missed their winning bonus and may collect a qualification bonus.
“We wanted to win. I know there’s sometimes talk of wanting a draw, but that was never the case. Brandon Thomas-Asante said after the Ghana vs Croatia match.
Some players’ performance in the tournament has been below average, and they need to up their game if they want to finish on the podium.
In the first match, the Black Stars struggled but got a last-minute goal by young Caleb Yirenkyi.
Ghana played a tight defensive game to earn a draw against England, and in the game against Croatia, the team was exposed.
Players on the bench were given the opportunity, and they showed the reason why they are on the reserve.
Derrick Luckassen became the first African player to score against Croatia at the FIFA World Cup as he scored for Ghana.
The goal had to be accepted by VAR.
Fans had to shout VAR before the officials called for the view, and Ghana fans stole the show.
“It was a weird game. We were sloppy in possession,” Jordan Ayew said after the match.
Once again, goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was outstanding and marvelous despite conceding two goals.
His defence was lost as they were not compact and decisive. They could not link and click with the midfield and attack.
So the forwards were seen running up and down with no goal in three games.
Antoine Semenyo, who is the fans’ top star, has not scored as well as skipper Jordan Ayew, Prince Adu, and Inaki Williams, plus Kamaradeen Suleiman and Fatawu Issahaku, whose responsibility is to make the fans happy because they are in front of the goal.
The midfield trio of Caleb Yirenkyi, Kwesi Sibo, and Thomas Partey has been good, but needs to play together to get to know each other better. Eliasha Owusu is not proving when it mattered most, and fans are asking how he got into the team.
The defence line of Gideon Mensah, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, and Marvin Senaya has proved to be very good and accurate on most occasions.
For goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, many were those who were sceptical because they did not know and believed in him, but he showed that he is among the best in the world.
At the FIFA World Cup, the biggest stage of World Football, he excelled and won the hearts of fans.
Now, Ghana is heading to the knockout stage, and the attitude of the players must be on another level.
The fun must turn to seriousness. We have seen celebrities, like musicians. Black Sheriff and King Promise in the camp; they have to stay back now to allow the players to concentrate and come near when the mission is accomplished.
We know Wendy Shay, Lil Win, Ayigbe Edem, and Daabo are in America to support, but it is also business time for us.
For Coach Carlos Queiroz, I have admired him even before he agreed to handle Ghana, and with the right players, he can achieve greater things. He is a massive personality and huge character who can teach, inspire, and motivate.
After the tournament, Ghana must give him a two-year contract to impart Ghana Football. He was named Osabarima because of something, and that thing must be achieved.
He will be happy to play in Kansas in the USA rather than travel to Canada and miss the services of his vice captain, Partey, who has immigration issues.
We wish Ghana success against Colombia in the next game on July 3rd, 2026.
By Sammy Heywood Okine
