'We will make it up to Ghanaians' - Gideon Mensah after Colombia defeat

Following Ghana's 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Black Stars left-back Gideon Mensah says the team's focus has already shifted to redemption in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Speaking after the defeat at Kansas City Stadium, Mensah stressed the squad's determination to bounce back after Jhon Arias' 14th-minute goal ended Ghana's World Cup campaign.

"The plan is to take every game that comes our way as an opportunity to redeem ourselves," he said.

"After this defeat, like I said, we have so many people to make it up to. First of all, ourselves, our families, our nation and our African brothers as well."

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The players are already looking ahead to the AFCON qualifiers.

"We will go back home, prepare for the qualifiers and make sure we win every game we can. Even when we are not winning, we have to put on a performance that shows we are ready for whatever comes our way."

Mensah also expressed gratitude to Ghanaian supporters who stayed up to follow the team's matches despite the challenging time difference.

"We are very grateful to Ghanaians. We are very happy that they have been with us throughout the journey. We know the time difference is very, very difficult. People are sacrificing their sleep, not because they don't want to sleep, but because they love the team. We don't take that for granted. Our goal was to make them happy and give them a good night's sleep."

"It didn't go that way, but we are very grateful that they have been with us throughout this journey," he added.

PAH/MA

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