Ghana's Black Stars coach, Carlos Queiroz, has dismissed calls for his resignation following the team's 4-2 defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The loss at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday left Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches. Queiroz insisted that the setback should serve as a lesson for the team and his technical staff ahead of the remaining qualifiers.
The Gambia produced a stunning comeback, overturning a two-goal deficit to condemn Ghana to their second consecutive defeat in Group C. Ernest Nuamah opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 27th minute, while Felix Afena-Gyan doubled Ghana's advantage with a powerful free-kick. However, The Gambia responded before half-time, with Assan Ceesay converting a penalty and Omar Colley equalizing in the 42nd minute.
Colley completed his hat-trick after the break as The Gambia scored twice more to secure a memorable 4-2 victory. The result has left Ghana under pressure after two successive losses at the start of their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The team will now have to regroup and improve their results in the remaining Group C fixtures if they are to keep their qualification hopes on track.
Despite the disappointing start, Queiroz rejected suggestions that resigning would be the solution to Ghana's problems. He stated that if his resignation could change the situation of football in Ghana, he would be the first to resign, but he does not hold that belief. The Portuguese coach acknowledged that his position ultimately rests with the Ghana Football Association and the results achieved by the team.
Queiroz also rejected the suggestion that the defeat to The Gambia should define his coaching career. He said the defeat does not make him a loser, but rather makes him more alert to the lessons that can be taken from the game and what the team needs to do in the future. The former Real Madrid and Iran coach emphasized that the Black Stars must learn from their setbacks and use the experience to improve in their remaining qualifying matches.
Queiroz analyzed the game, stating that Ghana performed better during the opening 45 minutes before mistakes allowed the visitors to regain momentum. He said the team led the game and controlled it, scoring two goals, but The Gambia's response completely changed the complexion of the game. The coach acknowledged that Ghana must respond quickly and address their weaknesses ahead of the remaining fixtures in the qualifiers.
The coach's future with the team is uncertain, but he emphasized that it is up to the Ghana Football Association to decide. Queiroz stated that the future of a coach is always in the hands of God and the results. Ghana's next matches will be crucial in determining their fate in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz has rejected calls for his resignation following Ghana's 4-2 defeat to The Gambia.
- The defeat has left Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches.
- Queiroz believes the setback should serve as a lesson for the team and his technical staff ahead of the remaining qualifiers.
