Carlos Queiroz has insisted that Ghana have enough quality and potential to compete in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers despite the absence of several key players through injury.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Ghana head coach acknowledged the disappointment of losing important members of his squad but refused to allow the injury situation to become an excuse ahead of the Black Stars’ opening qualifying fixtures.
“We don’t like to see players injured. We love to see the best players on the pitch all the time. But sometimes it’s not possible,” Queiroz said as quoted by 3news.com.
The Portuguese coach explained that while injuries are unfortunate, Ghana’s focus must now be on the players who are available and ready to represent the country. He believes the current squad possesses enough talent, enthusiasm and determination to take up the responsibility.
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“What is possible is and what we need to be sure that we brought here are talented players, full of enthusiasm and great talents of Ghana,” he added.
Queiroz was also keen to make it clear that the players who have been called into the squad should not feel like second choices simply because some of the more established names are missing. Instead, he has placed his confidence in the group currently preparing for the qualifiers.
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“So the most important players in our team are the ones that are here today. We are a strong team. We have a lot of potential. We have full confidence that the players we have called are ready to perform.”
Ghana’s preparations have been disrupted by a number of withdrawals, with Mohammed Kudus, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Prince Adu Kwabena and Nathaniel Adjei among the players unavailable for the games.
The absence of such players represents a significant challenge for Queiroz, particularly with Ghana looking to begin their qualifying campaign on a positive note. However, the coach’s comments suggest that he is determined to look beyond the injury list and concentrate on the players who are fit and available.
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The Black Stars will face Ivory Coast in Bouaké on Thursday before returning to Ghana to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. The two fixtures will provide an early test of the depth and character within Queiroz’s squad.
The importance of getting a positive start cannot be underestimated. Ghana missed out on the last Africa Cup of Nations tournament for the first time in 20 years, bringing an end to a long period of regular participation at the continent’s biggest football competition.
That disappointment has increased the expectations surrounding the Black Stars as they begin another qualifying journey. With a lengthy injury list already creating uncertainty, Ghana will be hoping the players who have been given an opportunity can rise to the occasion.
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For Queiroz, however, the message is straightforward. The players available for selection are the players Ghana must trust. Rather than dwelling on those who are missing, the Black Stars must focus on what they can achieve with the squad currently in camp.
A strong opening against Ivory Coast would provide an early boost before the team returns home to face The Gambia. Ghana will be determined to collect maximum points from their opening matches and avoid putting themselves under additional pressure as the qualifying campaign progresses.
With the injuries presenting an unwanted challenge, Queiroz will now look to the emerging talents and available senior players to carry the responsibility. His confidence in the squad will be tested on the pitch, where Ghana will begin the task of securing their return to the Africa Cup of Nations.
