Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has identified the substitution of Marvin Senaya as the turning point in Ghana’s 1-0 defeat to Colombia, admitting the team lost its defensive shape during a crucial spell of the Round of 32 encounter.
Ghana bowed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Jhon Arias’ first-half strike secured victory for the South Americans in Kansas City.
Speaking after the match, Queiroz explained that the Black Stars struggled to reorganise following Senaya’s departure, allowing Colombia to capitalise on a brief lapse in concentration.
“The moment Senaya came off, the team did not have the same discipline and organisation. It took Alidu Seidu a few minutes to adjust, and they took advantage of that moment to score,” Queiroz said.
The Portuguese coach suggested the decisive goal arrived during a transitional phase, when Ghana were still adapting to the defensive change.
Despite the setback, Queiroz praised his players effort throughout the tournament, with the Black Stars reaching the knockout stage for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana progressed from Group L as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after beating Panama, drawing with England and narrowly losing to Croatia.