Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante believes Ghana’s attacking quality has already earned the respect of opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting rival teams are wary of the Black Stars’ devastating counter-attacking ability even when they appear to be sitting deep in defence.
The Coventry City striker made the remarks after Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final Group L match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, a result that saw the Black Stars finish third in the group while still securing qualification for the Round of 32.
Although the defeat denied Ghana the opportunity to top Group L, Thomas-Asante remains convinced that the team’s performances throughout the group stage have sent a strong message to the rest of the tournament.
The forward believes Carlos Queiroz has assembled a squad capable of competing with any nation, thanks to a blend of defensive organisation, attacking pace and fearless ambition.
Looking ahead to Ghana’s Round of 32 meeting with Colombia, Thomas-Asante says the players remain determined to launch what he described as a “new dawn” for the Black Stars by embracing an aggressive approach in major tournaments and restoring Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
Belief in Ghana’s attacking quality
Throughout the group stage, Ghana earned praise for their disciplined defensive displays against both Panama and England.
The Black Stars kept clean sheets in their opening two matches, defeating Panama before frustrating tournament favourites England in a goalless draw.
Those performances led some observers to label Ghana as a defensively minded side under Carlos Queiroz. However, Thomas-Asante insists that assessment overlooks one of the team’s greatest strengths.
According to the striker, Ghana’s ability to attack quickly on the counter forces opponents to remain cautious, even when the Black Stars spend long periods defending.
He believes the pace, power and technical ability within Ghana’s attacking unit make the team dangerous at any moment.
“We know that there’s so much talent in the squad and we want to be able to impose that on our opposition,” Thomas-Asante said after the Croatia match.
The forward stressed that Ghana’s tactical flexibility should not be mistaken for a lack of attacking ambition. Instead, he believes the Black Stars possess one of the tournament’s most dangerous transition attacks.
Counter-attacking threat commands respect
Thomas-Asante explained that Ghana’s opponents understand the danger posed by the Black Stars whenever possession changes hands.
Even in matches where Ghana adopt a deeper defensive shape, rival teams cannot afford to commit too many players forward because of the threat waiting behind them. The striker believes that fear has become an important weapon for Ghana.
“But saying that, even in the games where we might have been seen as more defensive, I think that there’s a lot of fear from other teams of what we do on the counter,” he explained.
“So that’s not to be slept on because there is a very attacking threat, even in those defensive phases for the transition.”
His comments reflect the tactical identity Carlos Queiroz has developed since taking charge of the Black Stars earlier this year.
Rather than focusing solely on dominating possession, Ghana have become highly effective at remaining compact before launching rapid attacks through their pacey forwards.
Players such as Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams and Thomas-Asante himself have provided constant outlets whenever Ghana regain possession. Their speed and direct running have repeatedly stretched opposing defences throughout the competition.
Croatia defeat does not change ambitions
Saturday’s defeat to Croatia represented Ghana’s first loss of the tournament. Petar Sučić opened the scoring for Croatia before Derrick Luckassen equalised with a header on his World Cup debut.
However, Nikola Vlašić restored Croatia’s advantage from a Luka Modrić corner to secure a 2-1 victory for the 2018 World Cup finalists.
Although disappointed with the result, Thomas-Asante insisted the players never approached the match simply hoping to qualify.
With Ghana’s place in the knockout rounds already guaranteed before kick-off, some questioned whether the Black Stars lacked urgency.
Instead, he revealed the players entered the match determined to maintain their momentum and send another message to supporters back home.
“The overall feeling was that we want to go and win the game and to make a statement to our fans at home that we want to make a new dawn of really going for it in tournaments and being that powerhouse that we know that we are.”
The forward believes Ghana’s ambition extends far beyond merely reaching the knockout stages. The squad wants to restore the country’s standing among the world’s leading football nations.
A new era under Carlos Queiroz
Thomas-Asante’s comments highlight the growing confidence within Ghana’s camp under head coach Carlos Queiroz.
Since replacing Otto Addo earlier this year, the experienced Portuguese coach has transformed the Black Stars into one of the tournament’s most organised teams.
Ghana conceded just two goals during the group stage, with both arriving against Croatia after clean sheets against Panama and England. The defensive improvement has been accompanied by renewed belief throughout the squad.
Players have repeatedly spoken about the clarity of Queiroz’s tactical instructions and the unity developing within the camp.
Thomas-Asante believes those improvements provide the perfect platform for Ghana to begin competing aggressively in major tournaments once again. He suggested the current group has the talent required to bring sustained success back to Ghanaian football.
Disappointment mixed with optimism
While the players remain frustrated by the defeat to Croatia, Thomas-Asante insists confidence has not disappeared.
“We’re definitely disappointed that we didn’t win today, but we know we have that feeling inside to go and progress,” he added.
Those words echo similar comments made by captain Jordan Ayew after the match. The skipper also insisted the Croatia defeat would not damage Ghana’s confidence heading into the knockout rounds.
Instead, senior players believe the mistakes made in Philadelphia can serve as valuable lessons before facing Colombia.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz likewise described the group stage as only the beginning of Ghana’s World Cup journey, reminding his players that knockout football represents an entirely different challenge.
Colombia provide the next test
Attention has now shifted to Ghana’s Round of 32 encounter against Colombia. The South Americans topped Group K after remaining unbeaten throughout the opening phase of the competition.
Colombia collected seven points to finish ahead of Portugal and enter the knockout stage with considerable momentum.
They have impressed with disciplined defending, technical quality in midfield and clinical finishing in attack. For Ghana, the match represents one of their biggest tests since reaching the World Cup.
However, Thomas-Asante insists the Black Stars should approach the game with confidence rather than fear. He believes Ghana’s ability to defend collectively before attacking quickly on the break gives them every chance of causing another upset.
The striker is convinced the squad possesses enough quality to compete with any nation if they execute Queiroz’s tactical plan.
Growing belief inside the squad
One of the strongest themes emerging from Ghana’s World Cup campaign has been the confidence shared by players throughout the dressing room.
Despite injuries, visa complications and difficult opponents, the Black Stars have continued to display resilience and togetherness.
Experienced figures such as Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey have provided leadership, while emerging talents including Marvin Senaya, Derrick Luckassen and Kwasi Sibo have taken significant steps forward during the tournament.
Thomas-Asante believes the blend of youth and experience has created a squad capable of achieving something special. The players are determined to prove that Ghana belong among the world’s elite football nations once again.
Eyes firmly on the knockout rounds
Although finishing third in Group L was not part of Ghana’s original plan, the bigger objective remains very much alive. The Black Stars have earned another opportunity to continue their World Cup journey.
Victory over Colombia would send Ghana into the Round of 16 and strengthen growing belief that the team can produce another memorable run on football’s biggest stage.
For Thomas-Asante, the Croatia defeat should be viewed as a temporary setback rather than a defining moment. The forward believes Ghana have already demonstrated enough quality to earn respect from opponents.
Now, with the knockout rounds beginning, the Black Stars are determined to back up that respect with results. As Thomas-Asante made clear, Ghana’s ambition is no longer simply to compete at the World Cup.
The players want to usher in a new era of fearless football, restore the nation’s reputation as an international powerhouse and show the world that the Black Stars remain capable of challenging the very best.
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