The Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Alhaji Hassan Ayariga, has expressed disappointment over the Black Stars’ defeat to Colombia at the ongoing World Cup, describing the team’s performance as below the expectations of Ghanaians.
Speaking in a statement, Dr. Ayariga said the nation had anticipated a display of determination, discipline, confidence and the fighting spirit for which the Black Stars have long been known. He noted, however, that those qualities were largely absent during the match.
According to him, Colombia was not an unbeatable opponent, insisting that the outcome was determined more by execution, commitment and the ability to capitalize on opportunities than by any significant difference in quality between the two teams.
He observed that the Black Stars struggled to impose themselves on the game, created very few meaningful attacking opportunities and failed to play with the urgency and intensity required at the highest level of international football.
Despite the disappointing result, Dr. Ayariga urged Ghanaians not to lose confidence in the national team, stressing that setbacks should inspire reflection and renewed determination rather than despair.
He called on the technical team, players and all stakeholders to undertake an honest assessment of the team’s performance, learn from the mistakes made and rebuild with a stronger sense of purpose ahead of future competitions.
The APC leader also commended the Ghana Football Association and the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, for their leadership, commitment and continued support for the Black Stars throughout the World Cup campaign.
He said the efforts of the football governing body and the Sports Ministry toward the growth and development of Ghanaian football deserved recognition despite the team’s disappointing result.
Dr. Ayariga encouraged the players to remain confident, emphasizing that one defeat should not define their careers or diminish their commitment to serving the nation. He urged them to learn from the experience, work harder and return stronger.
He concluded by expressing hope that the Black Stars would bounce back from the setback and continue striving for success, while praying for God’s blessings upon the team and the Republic of Ghana.
Read the full Statement below!
STATEMENT BY DR. ALHAJI HASSAN AYARIGA
Yesterday’s World Cup match was a disappointing one for our nation. As Ghanaians, we expected our team to demonstrate determination, discipline, confidence, and the fighting spirit that has always defined the Black Stars. Unfortunately, those qualities were not reflected in our performance.
In my view, Colombia was not an unbeatable opponent. The difference was not in quality, but in execution, commitment, and the desire to seize the moment. Our players struggled to impose themselves on the game, created very few attacking opportunities, and failed to play with the urgency expected at this level of competition.
While the result is painful, this is not the time to lose faith in our national team. Rather, it is an opportunity for the technical team, the players, and all stakeholders to reflect honestly, learn from the mistakes, and rebuild with renewed purpose and determination. Every setback should serve as a lesson and a foundation for a stronger comeback.
I wish to commend the Ghana Football Association and the Hon. Minister for Sports & Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams, for their leadership, commitment, and unwavering support for the Black Stars throughout this World Cup campaign. Their dedication to the growth and development of Ghanaian football is worthy of recognition and appreciation.
To the players, I say: keep your heads high. One result does not define your careers or your love for Ghana. Learn from this experience, work harder, and return stronger. The nation still believes in you.
May God continue to bless the Black Stars, and may God bless our beloved Republic of Ghana.
Dr. Alhaji Hassan Ayariga
Leader All People’s Congress (APC)
