Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has criticised Ghana’s performance following their 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the team failed to show the urgency required in a knockout match.
The Black Stars bowed out of the tournament at Arrowhead Stadium after Jhon Arias’ first-half goal proved enough to send Colombia into the quarter-finals.
Reacting after the match, Gyan expressed disappointment with Ghana’s attacking approach, arguing that Carlos Queiroz’s side lacked the intensity and determination needed to fight their way back into the contest.
“Today’s performance was below average, no sense of urgency. We did not have men in the box,” Gyan said.
The former Sunderland and Al Ain striker also praised Colombia’s mentality, highlighting how the South Americans continued to attack despite already holding the advantage.
“Colombia were ahead but kept fighting to score more.”
Gyan believes that contrast summed up the difference between the two teams on the night, with Colombia showing greater hunger and purpose throughout the encounter.
While Ghana enjoyed periods of possession after falling behind, the Black Stars struggled to create clear-cut chances and rarely threatened Colombia’s well-organised defence.
The defeat brought Ghana’s World Cup campaign to an end after an encouraging group-stage run that saw the Black Stars qualify for the knockout rounds with victories over Panama and a draw against England before losing narrowly to Croatia.
Summing up his assessment of the contest, Gyan admitted Colombia were worthy winners.
“To summarize everything, Colombia deserved the win.”
Ghana’s exit means the Black Stars wait for a first World Cup quarter-final appearance since their memorable run in South Africa in 2010 continues, while Colombia advance to face Switzerland in the last eight.