Ghana's Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has expressed his ambition to restore the country's hopes of winning the Africa Cup of Nations. The team has not won the continental title since 1982, and Queiroz believes it is essential to address the reasons behind this prolonged drought. He made these comments during a press conference in Accra following his reappointment as the team's coach. Queiroz emphasized that rebuilding the team's ambition would be a central aspect of his work with the Black Stars.
Queiroz highlighted the youthful profile of the current squad, citing several young players in key positions. He noted that players around 20 to 22 years old in the attack and midfield provide a solid foundation for developing a competitive team. The coach acknowledged that Ghana has the young talent required to build a team capable of competing at the highest level of African football. This youthful energy could be a crucial factor in the team's future success.
The 73-year-old coach expressed his optimism about the team's prospects, stating that he hopes to lead Ghana to the AFCON final within a year. Queiroz's immediate task is to guide Ghana through their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The team begins Group C against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on 24 September. This match will be a crucial test for the team, and Queiroz will be looking to make a positive impact from the outset.
Ghana will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 27 September. The team will also play a friendly match against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October. These upcoming matches will provide valuable opportunities for Queiroz to assess his team's strengths and weaknesses. The coach will be looking to make informed decisions about the team's strategy and player selection.
Queiroz's reappointment as Ghana's coach comes after the team's absence from the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. The Black Stars had previously enjoyed a long run of appearances at the continental tournament. The team's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON was a significant setback, and Queiroz will be eager to make a positive impact and lead the team back to the tournament.
The coach's comments about the team's ambition and his desire to end the 44-year wait for an AFCON title reflect his commitment to restoring Ghana's reputation as a major force in African football. Queiroz's experience and expertise will be crucial in helping the team achieve its goals. The coach's ability to inspire and motivate the players will be essential in driving the team's success.
As Ghana prepares for the upcoming qualifying matches, the team will be looking to make a strong impression under Queiroz's leadership. The coach's vision for the team's future is clear, and he will be working tirelessly to ensure that the team achieves its objectives. With a young and talented squad, Ghana has the potential to make a significant impact in the 2027 AFCON.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz aims to end Ghana's 44-year wait for an Africa Cup of Nations title.
- The coach highlights the youthful profile of the current squad as a key factor in the team's future success.
- Queiroz's immediate task is to guide Ghana through their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
