Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed his deepest sympathy and solidarity with the victims of the devastating floods that have struck Accra and surrounding communities, assuring Ghanaians that the national team will carry the hopes of the country into their crucial FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Colombia.
The experienced Portuguese tactician issued an emotional statement on behalf of himself, his technical staff and the entire Black Stars squad currently based in the United States, where Ghana are preparing for one of the biggest matches of their World Cup campaign.
His message comes after severe flooding in Accra and Tema claimed the lives of at least nine people, according to the Ghana National Fire Service, while many others have been displaced from their homes following torrential rainfall.
As rescue and recovery operations continue, authorities have warned that the death toll could increase. Despite the team’s focus on Friday’s knockout encounter against Colombia at Kansas City Stadium, Queiroz stressed that the tragedy unfolding back home has remained at the forefront of the players’ minds.
A message of solidarity from the Black Stars
In a heartfelt statement, Queiroz said the entire Black Stars family stands with everyone affected by the disaster.
“On behalf of myself, my technical team, and the entire Black Stars squad here in the United States, I want to express our deepest solidarity with the victims of the floods in Accra.
“To the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been displaced from their homes, and everyone affected, we are with you. The images and reports from home are heartbreaking, and even though we are here preparing for our World Cup match against Colombia, our thoughts have not left Ghana.”
The coach acknowledged that moments of national tragedy serve as a reminder that football, despite its importance, becomes secondary when lives are lost. ‘Ghana is one family’
Queiroz emphasised the unity that exists among Ghanaians during difficult periods. According to him, every member of the Black Stars squad feels the pain being experienced by people affected by the floods.
“In moments like this, we are reminded that football is secondary. Ghana is one family. When Accra suffers, we all suffer.”
His remarks reflect the close bond that has developed within the Black Stars camp throughout the tournament.
Since arriving in North America for the World Cup, the players have repeatedly spoken about representing not only themselves but the entire nation.
The latest tragedy has strengthened that sense of responsibility even further.
Playing for the people of Accra
With Ghana preparing to face Colombia in the Round of 32, Queiroz revealed that the players will dedicate their performance to those affected by the disaster.
“We will carry the people of Accra in our hearts when we walk out at Kansas City Stadium on July 3.
“Your resilience is our inspiration. We will give everything to make you proud and to bring some hope in this difficult time.”
The Black Stars will enter the knockout match hoping to continue an encouraging World Cup campaign that has already seen them progress beyond the group stage for the first time since the 2010 tournament.
Victory over Colombia would secure a place in the Round of 16 and provide the country with another reason to celebrate during an otherwise painful period.
A call for strength and unity
Queiroz concluded his statement with words of encouragement for the entire nation. “Stay strong, Accra. Stay strong, Ghana. We stand with you.”
The message has resonated with many supporters, who have praised the coach and players for acknowledging the suffering taking place back home despite the pressures of competing on football’s biggest stage. It also highlights the strong connection the current Black Stars squad maintains with the people they represent.
Flood disaster claims lives
Queiroz’s statement follows confirmation from the Ghana National Fire Service that at least nine people have lost their lives as a result of the flooding that struck parts of Accra and Tema.
The heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding across several communities, leaving homes submerged, roads impassable and thousands of residents affected.
Emergency services have been working around the clock to rescue stranded residents and assist those displaced by the disaster.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews, the Public Relations Department of the Ghana National Fire Service confirmed the current casualty figures.
“So at this time now, the confirmable or confirmed figures that I have, the only case is in the case of about nine people,” Public Relations Officer Alex King Nartey said.
Authorities have indicated that the number may rise as search and recovery operations continue in affected communities.
Black Stars united despite World Cup focus
The timing of the disaster has created an emotional backdrop for Ghana’s preparations ahead of one of the country’s biggest matches in recent years.
The Black Stars booked their place in the Round of 32 after collecting four points during the group stage before eventually finishing third in Group L.
They will now face Group K winners Colombia in Kansas City, with a place in the last 16 at stake. Although preparations have continued as planned, Queiroz’s statement demonstrates that events unfolding in Ghana remain firmly in the minds of the players and technical staff.
Several members of the squad have family members living in Accra and surrounding areas, making the disaster particularly personal for many within the camp.
Football offers hope in difficult times
Throughout history, football has often provided moments of unity and hope during periods of national hardship.
The Black Stars now hope their performance against Colombia can offer a measure of encouragement to Ghanaians recovering from the devastating floods.
While Queiroz stressed that football is secondary to the loss of life and suffering experienced by affected families, he acknowledged that a positive result on the world stage could bring moments of pride and hope to the nation.
The coach’s message reflects the values he has consistently promoted since taking charge of Ghana earlier this year: unity, resilience and collective responsibility.
As the Black Stars prepare to walk onto the pitch at Kansas City Stadium, they will do so carrying more than just their World Cup ambitions.
They will also carry the hopes, prayers and resilience of a nation mourning lives lost while striving to recover from one of the most devastating flood disasters in recent years.
For Queiroz and his players, Friday’s Round of 32 encounter is no longer simply about qualification for the next stage of the World Cup.
It is also an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the people of Accra, honour those affected by the tragedy and remind the country that, even from thousands of miles away, the Black Stars remain united with Ghana in its time of need.
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