Carlos Queiroz has been dismissed as head coach of the Ghana national team following the Black Stars’ disastrous start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed the Portuguese coach’s departure on Thursday, October 1, following talks after Ghana’s opening two Group C matches.
Queiroz’s exit comes after Ghana suffered consecutive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, leaving the four-time African champions without a point from their first two qualifiers.
The Black Stars began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24, with Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié getting the goals for the hosts. (Al Jazeera)
Five days later, Ghana suffered an even more damaging 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana appeared to be in control after Ernest Nuamah converted a penalty before Felix Afena-Gyan doubled the advantage with a superb free-kick.
However, The Gambia responded before the break through Mohamed Badamosi and Omar Colley before completing the comeback in the second half. Ebrima Colley scored twice after the interval to seal a remarkable 4-2 victory for the visitors.
The defeat placed further pressure on Queiroz, who had apologised to Ghanaian supporters after the match and accepted responsibility for the disappointing result.
The Portuguese coach had initially taken charge of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and guided Ghana into the knockout stage. The team was eliminated by Colombia in the Round of 32 following a 1-0 defeat. CAF reported that Ghana struggled to create clear opportunities during the match.
Although Queiroz’s initial mandate ended after the World Cup, the GFA reappointed him on September 2 for a new coaching mandate ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
His second spell, however, lasted only a few weeks before Ghana’s poor start to the AFCON campaign brought it to an end.
Following the defeat to The Gambia, Queiroz had said he was willing to resign if his departure would provide a solution for Ghanaian football, while leaving the final decision to the GFA.
The GFA has now opted to part ways with the Portuguese coach, leaving the association with the task of finding a new manager to revive Ghana’s qualification campaign.
With zero points from two Group C matches, the Black Stars face a difficult task in their remaining fixtures as they attempt to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alive.
