Ghana’s World Cup campaign has already defied expectation and turmoil. They arrived under a cloud: Carlos Queiroz was appointed only weeks before the tournament, and Thomas Partey’s legal issues in the United Kingdom disrupted preparations and even his entry into the United States. Yet on the pitch, the Black Stars have been stubborn, organised and defiantly competitive.

Queiroz’s side reached the round of 32 the hard way. A narrow 1-0 win over Panama, followed by a gritty 0-0 draw with England, showcased a defensive structure that looked far more settled than the chaotic build-up suggested. Their only blemish was a 2-1 defeat to Croatia, a match that left Queiroz furious at avoidable defensive errors and a sense that Ghana had let control slip.

All of this has been achieved without one of their brightest attacking lights, Mohammed Kudus, ruled out through injury. Partey, the team’s midfield metronome, missed the Panama victory after being denied entry over rape and sexual assault charges he strongly denies. His eventual inclusion has given Ghana a calmer passing rhythm, but Queiroz is still searching for the perfect balance between solidity and threat.

That search now focuses sharply on Antoine Semenyo. The right-sided forward took a knock against Croatia but is expected to be fit, and Ghana will need his direct running and work rate more than ever. With Jordan Ayew leading the line and Ernest Nuamah cutting in from the left, Semenyo’s ability to stretch Colombia’s back four and press from the front could decide whether Ghana merely compete or truly threaten.

Colombia arrive as group winners, brimming with confidence and guided by the enduring class of James Rodríguez, whose World Cup record of goals and assists remains formidable. Luis Díaz’s pace on the left and Jhon Córdoba’s physical presence through the middle will test a Ghana defence marshalled by Benjamin Asare, whose strong tournament was dented by the two goals conceded against Croatia.

For Queiroz, there is an added twist. He once led Colombia, only to depart after heavy defeats to Uruguay and Ecuador. Now he stands opposite his former employers with a chance to knock them out and propel Ghana into the round of 16.

To do that, Ghana must be perfect at the back and ruthless in transition. And that is where Semenyo comes in. If he can turn half-chances into real danger, the Black Stars have every chance of writing another improbable chapter.