Former Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed gratitude and pride as he leaves his role following a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). The decision comes after the team's disappointing performance in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where they suffered back-to-back defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia. Queiroz served as head coach for about four months across two separate stints in 2026.
The Black Stars lost 2-0 to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké and then 4-2 at home to Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium earlier in the week. The GFA reached a mutual agreement to terminate Queiroz's contract after an emergency meeting following the defeat to Gambia. In his farewell message, Queiroz thanked the GFA and its President for their trust and the opportunity to lead the national team.
Queiroz led Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and expressed contentment with his departure, citing an honour to serve Ghana and the Black Stars. He emphasized that he leaves with respect, gratitude, and pride. The GFA will now search for another coach to establish stability ahead of their four remaining qualifying games.
During his tenure, Queiroz had a short but eventful stint with the Black Stars. He was appointed earlier in 2026 and led the team through a challenging period. The team's performance in the AFCON qualifiers has raised concerns, and the GFA faces pressure to find a suitable replacement.
The Ghana Football Association has faced criticism for the team's struggles, with some calling for the dissolution of the GFA. The Parliamentary Sports Committee has invited the Ministry and GFA to discuss the team's performance. Former Youth and Sports Minister has questioned the appointment process of Queiroz, alleging possible corruption.
The Black Stars' struggles have also raised concerns about the team's management and player welfare. Ernest Thompson, a member of the team's management, alleged that the team's health conditions were ignored ahead of the Gambia game. The team's performance has sparked a national debate about the state of football in Ghana.
As Queiroz departs, the GFA must now focus on finding a new coach to lead the team through the remainder of the AFCON qualifiers. The team's next games will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the tournament. The GFA's decision-making process and the team's future prospects will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz leaves Ghana's Black Stars with respect and gratitude after a short tenure as head coach.
- The GFA terminated Queiroz's contract after a poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- The team's struggles have raised concerns about the state of football in Ghana and the GFA's decision-making process.
