Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has promised that Ghana will give everything to make both the nation and the African continent proud when they face Colombia in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana take on the South Americans on Saturday at Kansas City Stadium, with a place in the last 16 at stake in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most closely contested knockout ties.
The Black Stars are now among Africa’s remaining representatives after several of the continent’s teams exited the competition in the first knockout round.
South Africa, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and Senegal have all been eliminated, leaving Ghana with the opportunity to extend Africa’s challenge at the global showpiece.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Ayew said knockout football is vastly different from the group stage, insisting that previous performances and reputations count for little once the match kicks off.
The 34-year-old believes every knockout encounter begins on equal terms, regardless of how teams reached this stage of the competition.
“In football, every game you start is 50/50, and tomorrow is gonna be another tight game,” Ayew said.
The experienced forward also pledged that the Black Stars would leave everything on the pitch as they chase a place in the Round of 16.
“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 and Ghana proud.”
Ghana, four-time African champions, will be aiming to produce another memorable World Cup performance against a Colombian side that impressed during the group stage.
Kick-off at Kansas City Stadium is scheduled for 01:30 GMT on Saturday, with the winners progressing to the Round of 16.
