Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has defended the players he selected for the Black Stars’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with The Gambia despite the team’s 4-2 defeat at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana surrendered a two-goal lead on Tuesday to suffer their second consecutive defeat in Group C, leaving the four-time African champions without a point from their opening two matches.
The Portuguese coach maintained that he worked with the best available options and said decisions had to be made based on the condition of the players available to him.
“We have the best players available to play this game, inside the pitch and outside the pitch, and when some of our players are not on fresh legs, we have to make decisions,” the Portuguese coach said after the match.
Queiroz also highlighted the contributions of second-half substitutes Ibrahim and Augustine, saying both players helped Ghana become more offensive after entering the game.
“I think Ibrahim came in very well into the game; he had a good performance in the second half. He brought the team forward,” he said.
“I think Augustine brought the team forward as well. But unfortunately, we were not able to score.
“All our best available resources played the match. If you want to tell me another player that you suggest to come in, I will appreciate that.”
The Black Stars had appeared to be in a strong position after establishing a two-goal advantage, but The Gambia turned the game around with four goals to complete a remarkable comeback.
The result has increased the pressure on Ghana, who had already started their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké.
Ghana were hoping to respond with a positive result on home soil, but the failure to protect their lead resulted in another setback in their bid to qualify for the 2027 tournament.
The Black Stars will have an opportunity to revive their campaign in October when they face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana are seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the 2025 edition in Morocco.
