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Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz said Thursday it was his team’s “duty” to ensure an African side reached the World Cup round of 16 after a string of knockout defeats for teams from the continent.
The veteran Portuguese, managing at his fifth consecutive World Cup, led Ghana into the last 32 as one of the top third-placed teams.
They were among a record nine African nations who progressed from the group stage out of 10 who started the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
However, only Morocco have made the next step to the last 16 so far, with Senegal, Ivory Coast and DR Congo falling by the wayside.
“It’s another challenge for us,” said Queiroz, whose team face Colombia in Kansas City on Friday. “We have to improve these statistics tomorrow.
“We have to make it better. So it is on our shoulders to be sure that we add another African team to the next round. That’s our duty.”
The Portuguese veteran, whose previous international managerial jobs included a stint with Colombia, praised the bravery of his players, saying they would “fight until the end” for a result.
“This is in the DNA of these boys in Ghana,” said the 73-year-old, who was only appointed in April. “There’s nothing that you can build or you can buy.
“It is something that is in their blood and they are really great fighters and I’m very proud to be their coach.”
Captain Jordan Ayew recalled Ghana’s run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
“It was amazing,” he said. “Obviously those are the moments that we want to bring back to our country.”
He said Ghana fancied their chances against higher-ranked Colombia.
“In football, every game you start is 50-50,” he said. “Tomorrow is going to be another tight game.
“Listen, we are going to do our best, we are going to put on a show and we will see what will happen. But what I can guarantee is that we will definitely make Africa proud and Ghana proud.”
Al-Nassr forward, Jhon Duran, is set for a shock move to join Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray.
According to Galatasaray reporter Ali Naci Küçük, Duran, who played for Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig rivals Fenerbahçe on loan, has agreed on a deal to join the Yellow-Reds this month.
Küçük stated this on the Dici Futbol YouTube channel while sharing information regarding the Duran transfer.
“Galatasaray is expected to announce the transfer of Jhon Duran in the first week of July,” Küçük said via Habersarikirmizi.
“Duran will come regardless of whether Icardi stays or leaves. Jhon Duran will be Galatasaray’s first signing.”
Duran may likely partner with Osimhen in Galatasaray’s attack for the new season.
Ghana have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada and will miss the Black Stars’ clash against Panama.
According to BBC Sport, FIFA confirmed on Friday that the former Arsenal midfielder, now with Spanish club Villarreal, will be unable to travel from Ghana’s training base in Boston after Canadian authorities refused his visa application.
