Colombia booked a place in the World Cup last 16 with a controlled and dominant performance, beating Ghana 1–0 in sweltering conditions in Kansas City.
Jhon Arias scored the decisive first half goal as Colombia overpowered a wasteful Ghana side that failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match. The result sent Nestor Lorenzo’s team into a last 16 clash with Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday, with a potential quarter final meeting against Argentina looming.
Ghana struggled to impose themselves in the heat, with temperatures exceeding 30C well into the night. Thomas Partey came closest early on with a long range effort that narrowly missed the target inside the opening minute.
Both sides were forced into early changes following injuries in a chaotic opening spell. Colombia striker Jhon Cordoba was withdrawn with a groin problem and replaced by Luis Suarez, while Ghana right back Marvin Senaya limped off with a hamstring issue, with Alidu Seidu coming on.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Suarez surged down the right flank and delivered a precise cross for Arias, who guided a volley into the far corner after Seidu failed to track his run.
Ghana showed brief signs of recovery, with Antoine Semenyo seeing an effort deflected over the bar, but they failed to trouble the goalkeeper meaningfully as their tournament ended without a shot on target.
Colombia continued to create chances, with Luis Diaz and Suarez both going close before Lawrence Zigi produced several key saves to keep Ghana in the contest. A goal from Diaz was also ruled out for offside after Ghana were caught in possession.
Despite late pressure from Ghana in search of an equaliser, Colombia held firm to secure progression, while Ghana became one of several African sides eliminated at the round of 32 stage.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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