Ghana's Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has emphasized the importance of humility as the team begins their bid to return to the Africa Cup of Nations. The four-time champions have endured a difficult spell in recent years, suffering back-to-back group-stage exits and failing to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. Queiroz's comments come ahead of Ghana's 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, which starts later this month with away and home fixtures against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia.
Ghana's recent history in the AFCON has been marked by near misses, with the Black Stars finishing runners-up in 1992, 2010, and 2015. The team last lifted the continental title in 1982 and have been waiting 44 years for a fifth AFCON title. Queiroz warned against looking too far ahead, insisting the team's immediate priority should be securing qualification rather than talking about winning the trophy. He stressed that the team must work, grow, compete, and earn their destiny.
The Black Stars are expected to depart Accra for Bouaké, where they will face Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix on September 24. They will then return home to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27. These matches are crucial for Ghana's chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON, and Queiroz is looking to make a strong start in Group C. The team's September international window will conclude with a high-profile friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on October 4.
Queiroz's comments were made during a media interaction at the Ghana FA, where he emphasized the need for ambition and humility. He acknowledged Ghana's recent history and the team's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. The coach's focus is on the present, with the goal of securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON. Queiroz's approach is centered on building momentum and creating a strong team dynamic.
The 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign is a significant challenge for Ghana, who are seeking to return to Africa's biggest football tournament. The team's journey will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, as they aim to overcome their recent struggles and make a strong impact. With a difficult spell in recent years, Ghana will look to Queiroz's guidance to navigate the qualifying process.
Ghana's captain, Jordan Ayew, has been ruled out of the opening games with a knee injury, adding to the team's challenges. The Black Stars will need to overcome this setback and perform well in their upcoming matches to stay on course for qualification. The team's September international window is a crucial period, with matches against Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, and Morocco.
As Ghana prepares for their AFCON qualifying campaign, the team's focus will be on securing qualification and building momentum. With Queiroz at the helm, the Black Stars will look to create a strong team dynamic and overcome their recent struggles. The team's journey will be closely watched, as they aim to make a strong impact in the 2027 AFCON.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz emphasizes the need for humility in Ghana's AFCON pursuit
- Ghana faces a challenging 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign
- The team's September international window is crucial for their qualification hopes
