Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz emphasized the importance of establishing a consistent core of players to build a team capable of sustained success. Ahead of Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia, Queiroz highlighted the challenges of constantly changing the squad, making it difficult to develop understanding and stability. He stressed that occasional qualification for major tournaments or isolated successes should not be regarded as evidence of a winning culture.
Queiroz, 73, pointed to Ghana's notable achievements, including the 1982 AFCON triumph and their run to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup, as examples of the successes the country should seek to build on. He believes Ghana must develop a side capable of regularly challenging for the Africa Cup of Nations and competing strongly at the World Cup. The coach said, "We need more heroes."
The Portuguese coach acknowledged the importance of Tuesday's qualifier against The Gambia but emphasized that Ghana's preparations must also focus on creating a foundation for long-term success. Queiroz said, "We have to win the game tomorrow, but at the same time, we have to put the seeds of the future." He called for the development of a settled group of players, backed by clear communication and trust between the Ghana Football Association, the technical team, and the squad.
Queiroz's comments come as the Black Stars attempt to recover from a disappointing start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. Ghana lost 2-0 to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké in their opening Group C fixture last Thursday. The team will now face The Gambia, knowing that another difficult result could increase pressure on the team. Ghana is seeking a return to the AFCON after failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
The Black Stars' inconsistent performance has been a concern, with Queiroz stressing that a winning team requires stability and consistency. He said, "You cannot build a winning team if you change every camp; you change seven, eight, nine players." The coach believes greater stability within the national team will help Ghana develop the consistency required to compete at the highest level.
Queiroz's approach focuses on building a strong team culture, which he believes is essential for sustained success. He emphasized the need for a core group of players to be prepared and ready to come together. The coach's long-term vision is to establish a Black Stars side that can consistently challenge for major honors.
Ghana's 2027 AFCON qualifier against The Gambia is crucial, with Queiroz demanding an immediate response from his team. The coach's strategy aims to lay the foundations for a more consistent Black Stars side in the future, which will help the team compete strongly in major tournaments. Key to this approach is the development of a settled player group and clear communication within the team.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz emphasizes the need for a consistent core of players to build a winning team.
- Ghana's inconsistent performance has been a concern, with Queiroz stressing that a winning team requires stability and consistency.
- The coach's long-term vision is to establish a Black Stars side that can consistently challenge for major honors.
