United News of Bangladesh

Carlos Queiroz has stepped down as Ghana coach after the Black Stars' World Cup campaign ended with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the first knockout round. "We cannot claim complete sporting satisfaction, but we can proudly say that we honored the colors of Ghana and restored respect and credibility to the Black Stars on football's greatest stage," the 73-year-old Portuguese coach wrote in an Instagram post addressed to the nation late Sunday. Queiroz was appointed in April to replace the sacked Otto Addo after Ghana had lost four consecutive matches. Ghana lost to Mexico and drew with Wales in its World Cup warm-up matches before opening the tournament with a victory over Panama in Group L. A goalless draw against England was enough to send the team into the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed finishers, despite losing to Croatia in the final group match. Against Colombia, Ghana managed only eight shots, with none on target. "Football, like life, teaches us one timeless lesson: you either win or you learn," Queiroz wrote. "I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved, but also with the healthy dissatisfaction of those who always wanted more. Reaching a higher level should never be the destination. It should be the beginning of even greater ambitions." Queiroz also suggested that the Ghana Football Association needed to provide stronger support for the national team. "The future of the Black Stars will not be built only on the pitch. Black Stars success must start off the field, by creating the best possible environment to prepare, protect and develop Ghana's extraordinary football talent," he wrote. Last month, Queiroz defended his decision to include Thomas Partey in Ghana's World Cup squad while the player awaits trial in London on multiple rape charges. Partey missed Ghana's opening match after being denied a visa to Canada, prompting a strong reaction from the Ghanaian government. He later featured in Ghana's matches against England, Croatia and Colombia, and was booed by the largely pro-England crowd during the game in the United States.