Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Ghana have exited the 2026 World Cup after they suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at the hands of Colombia in a Round of 32 match at the Kansas City Stadium on Saturday morning.
Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the game as Los Cafeteros completed the last 16 line-up in the global tournament, joining Canada, Morocco, Paraguay, France, Brazil, Norway, Mexico, England, Portugal, Spain, the United States, Belgium, Argentina, Egypt and Switzerland in the next round.
Ghana almost got off to the perfect start, forcing an early turnover high up the pitch which saw Thomas Partey crack a long-range drive just wide of the target.
The teams then each suffered an early injury blow, with Colombia replacing Jhon Cordoba with Luis Suarez, while Ghana’s Marvin Senaya made way for Alidu Seidu.
Suarez played a key role in putting Los Cafeteros ahead in the 14th minute, as he whipped in a cross from the right flank which proved just too high for Luis Diaz at the near post, but fell perfectly for the late arrival of Jhon Arias, who swept the ball beyond goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi for 1-0.
Colombia had further half chances to extend their lead, but Ghana grew into the game and began to exert some attacking pressure in the latter stages of the first half – though they were unable to truly test out goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
In fact, the South Americans nearly went two goals up in injury time before the interval, as Johan Mojica met a cross from Daniel Munoz and headed on target, but Ati Zigi clawed the ball clear to keep his side in the contest.
Colombia began the second half without talisman James Rodriguez, who was replaced by Richard Rios, but they remained a major threat in attack. In fact, Luis Diaz had two great chances in quick succession before the hour mark: the first he buried in the net, but saw the effort ruled out for offside, while the second was well saved by the Black Stars ‘keeper.
Ati Zigi made another notable save with just under 10 minutes to play, collecting a header on goal from Davinson Sanchez, as Colombia continued to look the more dangerous team in attack.
Ghana began throwing more and more numbers forward in attack in the dying minutes, but they could not muster a chance to try and level the game.
Colombia will face Switzerland in Vancouver in the final Round of 16 match, set for the evening of Tuesday 7 July (22:00 CAT).
Colombia (1) 1 (J. Arias 14’)
Ghana 0
Colombia: C. Vargas, D. Munoz, D. Sanchez, J. Lucumi, J. Mojica, J. Arias (J. Quintero 73’), J. Lerma, G. Puerta, J. Rodriguez (R. Rios 46’), J. Cordoba (L. Suarez 8’), L. Diaz (J. Campaz 90’)
Ghana: L. Ati Zigi, M. Senaya (A. Seidu 13’), D. Luckassen, J. Opoku, G. Mensah, T. Partey, I. Williams (I. Fatawu 62’), C. Yirenkyi (P. Adu 79’), K. Sibo (E. Owusu 62’), A. Semenyo, J. Ayew (E. Nuamah 79’)
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