Gideon Mensah targets AFCON qualifiers after Ghana's World Cup exit

Ghana defender Gideon Mensah says the Black Stars are determined to bounce back from their FIFA World Cup disappointment by focusing on the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The left-back made the remarks after Ghana's 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the Round of 32 at Kansas City Stadium, where Jhon Arias' first-half goal ended the Black Stars' campaign.

Reflecting on the defeat, Mensah admitted the squad owed a response to themselves, their families and supporters, and insisted every match going forward would be treated as an opportunity to make amends.

"The plan is to take every game that comes at us as a chance for us to redeem ourselves," he said.

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

The 27-year-old said the players would return to their clubs before regrouping for the AFCON qualifiers, with the aim of producing improved performances.

"We go back to our homes, get ready for the qualifiers and make sure that we win every game that we can win. Even if we are not winning, we have to put on a show to show them that we are ready for whatever is supposed to come our way."

Mensah also reserved special praise for Ghanaian supporters who stayed up to watch the team's matches despite the significant 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 bad. 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."

He added: "Our goal was to make them happy. It didn't go that way, but we are very happy that they have been with us throughout this journey."

Ghana's World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 32 after one win, one draw and two defeats. The Black Stars will now turn their attention to securing qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

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