Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has refused to reveal who will start in goal for Ghana’s crucial FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Colombia, while insisting his side must produce a near-perfect performance to overcome one of the tournament’s strongest teams
Speaking during the pre-match press conference in Kansas City on Thursday, Queiroz remained tight-lipped when asked whether he would hand the gloves to returning first-choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi or continue with Benjamin Asare, who has impressed during the tournament.
The Portuguese tactician declined to provide any clues, stressing that the decision would be communicated to the players before anyone else.
“The only answer that I can give you is wait and see tomorrow,” Queiroz said. “That’s a decision that I don’t want to announce here in advance. First of all, the players should be the first ones to know. Secondly, I will never do that in front of the Colombian press.”
His comments leave uncertainty over one of Ghana’s biggest selection decisions ahead of the knockout encounter, with Ati-Zigi available again after recovering from injury and Asare having performed admirably in his absence.
Beyond the goalkeeper debate, Queiroz acknowledged the significant challenge posed by Colombia, describing the South Americans as a disciplined and well-organised side capable of causing problems for any opponent.
“It is a team that today is very well organised, with a lot of discipline and very good players in all their positions,” he said. “The team is playing very well. I have made a very careful observation of the Colombian team against Portugal, and they have been very good.”
Despite his admiration for Colombia’s quality, the Ghana coach believes the Black Stars possess the weapons needed to compete and advance.
“We also have players with a lot of quality and a very strong team with a lot of determination,” he stated. “Colombia is not perfect. It’s a great team, but it’s not perfect. We are a great team; we are not perfect.”
Queiroz emphasised that knockout football leaves little room for error, warning that Ghana must maintain concentration throughout the contest.
“There are no tomorrows,” he said. “We have to do everything right for 90 minutes, and 120 minutes if that’s the case.”
The winner of tonight’s tie at Kansas City Stadium will secure a place in the World Cup Round of 16 and move one step closer to football’s ultimate prize.
