Ghana, Colombia meet Friday in Kansas City in first-ever World Cup matchup

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Ghana enters Friday night’s round of 32 World Cup match against Colombia as an underdog, but captain Jordan Ayew said the result is far from decided.

“In futbol, every game you start is 50/50,” Ayew said. “Tomorrow is going to be another tight game.”

Colombia won Group K, finishing above Portugal, while Ghana advanced as one of the top third-place finishers in the group stage. The two nations have never met in World Cup play.

Ghana averaged 36.1% possession during the group stage — the second lowest of any team in the round of 32. The Black Stars scored twice on just 15 shots across three matches, the lowest of any team in the group stage.

Ghana’s defense has been a key factor in their advancement. The Black Stars gave up just two goals in group play, including holding powerhouse England to a scoreless draw.

“Important game for both teams,” Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz said. “It will be great to see two fantastic teams on the pitch. Different styles.”

“One thing I can guarantee is that we’ll definitely make Africa proud and Ghana proud,” Ayew said.

Kickoff is 8:30 p.m. Friday night in Kansas City.