Ghana's Black Stars suffered a dramatic 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27, 2026, in their second Group C match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team surrendered a two-goal lead, with The Gambia producing a remarkable second-half comeback, scoring four times. This result has intensified pressure on coach Carlos Queiroz, with Ghana's hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON already under serious scrutiny following consecutive defeats.
Carlos Queiroz defended his international record, stating that the result against The Gambia does not make him a loser. He mentioned that he is still the coach with the record for most wins in international football. Queiroz had earlier opened the door to a possible resignation, saying he would be prepared to step down if the Ghana Football Association believed his departure would help resolve the problems facing the national team.
The 73-year-old coach returned to the Black Stars after Ghana's participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the immediate task of guiding the four-time African champions back to the AFCON after they missed the previous edition in Morocco. However, Ghana's qualifying campaign has started disastrously, with a 2-0 defeat by Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké in their opening Group C match.
The Black Stars are now without a point after two matches and face a difficult task to revive their qualification hopes. Ghana will return to action in October when they face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium. The team is seeking a return to the AFCON after missing the 2025 tournament in Morocco, ending a run of more than two decades of consecutive appearances at the competition.
Queiroz's credentials and the impact of the latest result have come under scrutiny. Despite this, he remained defiant when questioned about his position. The coach emphasized that his resignation would not solve Ghana's football problems, adding that this is a decision for the Ghana Football Association to make.
The pressure on Queiroz and the Black Stars has attracted reactions from various stakeholders. Sam George, a Ghanaian politician, called for the dissolution of the Black Stars and the Ghana Football Association after the shocking loss to The Gambia. The coach, however, believes that his departure would not resolve the issues facing Ghana football.
The Black Stars' next matches against Somalia in October will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. The team will look to bounce back from their disappointing start and restore hope among their fans. With the current situation, the Ghana Football Association's decisions regarding the team's future will be closely watched.
Key points
- - Carlos Queiroz defended his international record despite Ghana's 4-2 defeat to The Gambia. - The Black Stars are without a point after two matches in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. - Ghana's next matches against Somalia in October will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
