Midfielder Kwasi Sibo has declared that Ghana are not looking back after their disciplined 0-0 draw with England, vowing that the Black Stars will go all in for the nation against Croatia to finish top of World Cup Group L.
Sibo started in midfield at the Gillette Stadium as Ghana executed Carlos Queiroz's game plan to frustrate England, leaving both sides on four points after two matches. The 26-year-old, who earned praise for his disciplined performance, said the squad followed Queiroz's instructions to the letter.
"He told us to be compact. He told us to fight for each other. And he told us that, at this moment, he knows that we will suffer because we are playing against a great team. But still, we should keep our mentality tough, fight from the first minute to 90 minutes," Sibo said. "I think we listened to him and we followed his instructions and we did the job for him."
Now, with Ghana on the brink of qualification for the Round of 32, Sibo has set his sights on victory against Croatia on Saturday. "Now, the game against Croatia — I don't think, I just believe that we're going to take all three points," he said. "We want to be leaders in the group and we are not looking back."
The midfielder acknowledged the defensive nature of Ghana's performance against England but insisted the team will show more attacking intent against Croatia. "Against England today, we defended a lot. We had one chance that maybe could have given us three points. So, going against Croatia, it's all in all, for the nation," Sibo said.
A victory over Croatia would see Ghana top Group L and secure qualification for the knockout stages for the first time since 2010. Sibo, who has been a key figure in Queiroz's midfield, said the team is ready for the challenge.
"I'm always grateful, always thankful to God for the opportunity to play and whenever I do play I'll give everything I can," he said. "It's a big blessing for sure."
The Black Stars will face Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, knowing that victory would secure their place in the Round of 32 and send a statement to the rest of the tournament. For Sibo and his teammates, the message is clear: they are not settling for second place.
