Black Stars take play Colombia on July 4
Ghana will face Group K winners Colombia in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, July 4, after the Black Stars edged into the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Colombia progressed unbeaten after topping Group K with seven points from two wins and a draw.
Néstor Lorenzo’s side impressed with a balanced campaign, conceding just one goal while producing clinical displays in attack, with Luis DÃaz and Jhon Durán playing key roles.
Having already secured qualification, Colombia rotated their squad for their final group fixture against Portugal.
Ghana’s journey to the knockout stage was far more dramatic. Carlos Queiroz’s men finished third in Group L with four points, following a victory over Panama, a hard-fought goalless draw against England, and a narrow 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Philadelphia.
Although Colombia enter the contest as favourites after an impressive group-stage campaign, Ghana have already shown they can compete with elite opposition.
The Black Stars frustrated England in a 0-0 draw and pushed Croatia close despite defeat.
With the group stage now behind them, both teams know there is no margin for error.
Colombia will be aiming to continue their strong form and equal their run to the quarter-finals at the 2014 World Cup, while Ghana will look to spring an upset and keep their dream of a deep tournament run alive.
BY Wletsu Ransford