Ghana's Black Stars coach, Carlos Queiroz, has emphasized that the team's immediate priority is to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) while laying the foundations for the 2030 World Cup. Queiroz made these comments after announcing his 24-man squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifying campaign. The team will begin their campaign with a challenging match against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24.
The Black Stars will then host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27. Queiroz stressed that the team must focus on the present while keeping a long-term objective in sight. He stated that the priority is to achieve absolute focus on AFCON qualification, with their eyes set on the 2030 World Cup. This approach will enable the team to address their immediate goals while working towards a greater destination.
Queiroz, 73, was appointed Ghana coach earlier this year and has been tasked with guiding the Black Stars through the next phase of their development. He believes that this is the moment to start building a team for 2030, one that is truly capable of honouring Ghana's extraordinary World Cup legacy. The coach's long-term vision is to create a team that can make a significant impact in the World Cup.
Ghana will have to cope with the absence of Tottenham midfielder Mohammed Kudus, who has withdrawn from the squad. Additionally, Prince Adu Kwabena is expected to miss the opening games due to a head injury sustained over the weekend. Despite these setbacks, Queiroz remains focused on achieving a positive start in Group C of the AFCON qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars are seeking a return to the AFCON after failing to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco. This makes their upcoming matches against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia crucial. A successful campaign will not only boost the team's morale but also provide a much-needed opportunity for Ghana to re-establish themselves in African football.
Following their opening qualifiers, the Black Stars will complete the international window with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on October 4. This match will provide Queiroz with an opportunity to assess his team's progress and make any necessary adjustments before the next phase of their campaign.
With a challenging schedule ahead, Queiroz is demanding full concentration from his team as they strive to achieve their objectives. The coach's experience and expertise will be invaluable in guiding the Black Stars through this critical phase of their development.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz prioritizes 2027 AFCON qualification and building a team for the 2030 World Cup.
- Ghana's Black Stars face a challenging AFCON qualifying campaign against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
- The team will have to cope with the absence of key players, including Mohammed Kudus and Prince Adu Kwabena.
