Ghana’s FIFA World Cup campaign ended in the round of 32 after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Kansas City.
Jhon Arias scored the only goal in the 14th minute, finishing from Luis Suarez’s cross to send Colombia into the round of 16, where they will face Switzerland.
The Black Stars struggled to break down a disciplined Colombian side despite staying in the contest throughout the match.
Ghana started brightly, with Thomas Partey firing just wide in the opening minute. However, Colombia struck soon after when Suarez delivered from the right and Arias powered his finish past goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
The South Americans dominated possession for much of the first half, while Ghana found it difficult to create clear scoring opportunities. Antoine Semenyo came closest before the break, but his effort was blocked and deflected over the bar.
Ati-Zigi kept Ghana in the game with a series of impressive saves. He denied Gustavo Puerta, Luis Diaz, Davinson Sanchez and Juan Fernando Quintero as Colombia searched for a second goal.
Coach Carlos Queiroz introduced Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu and Ernest Nuamah in an attempt to spark a comeback, but Ghana lacked creativity and cutting edge in the final third.
Partey came closest to an equaliser in the second half, sending a shot narrowly wide, but Colombia’s defence remained solid to secure victory.
The result ends Ghana’s World Cup journey after an encouraging campaign that saw the Black Stars advance from Group L to reach the knockout stage.
Despite the defeat, Ghana showed signs of progress under Queiroz and will take positives from reaching the last 32 and competing strongly against top opposition.
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