Ghana defender Jerome Opoku says the Black Stars must become more effective in front of goal after their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat by Colombia in the Round of 32.

Jhon Arias scored the only goal of the match in the 14th minute, condemning Ghana to an early exit despite a disciplined defensive display.

Reflecting on the defeat, Opoku said Ghana’s inability to convert its defensive resilience into goals ultimately proved costly.

“We can defend, defend, but if we don’t get that one goal to relieve pressure off the defense, then it’s not possible [to win]. You just need that one goal to relieve the pressure,” he told Sporty TV.

The defender, who was appearing at his first FIFA World Cup, was one of Ghana’s standout performers during the tournament but declined to comment on the team’s tactical approach.

“I am not a coach, so I will leave that to the coaches. I’m just trying to do my job; we are a team, we stick together,” Opoku added.

Ghana’s defeat brought an end to a campaign that saw the Black Stars reach the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

The four-time African champions advanced from Group L before their journey ended at the first knockout stage against Colombia.