Former Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the players despite the team's difficult start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Queiroz parted ways with the Ghana Football Association on Thursday, 1 October, two days after Ghana suffered a 4-2 defeat by The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. This defeat followed a 2-0 loss to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké in Ghana's opening Group C qualifier.
The consecutive defeats in the AFCON qualifiers increased pressure on Queiroz's position and ultimately brought his short tenure to an end. Ghana are bottom of Group C after two matches, with Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia taking the early advantage in the race to qualify for the 2027 tournament. The Black Stars will need a strong response when the qualifiers resume as they attempt to recover from their difficult start.
In a statement following his departure, Queiroz urged supporters to stand by the players and help create a positive environment around the national team. He emphasized that the talent and potential are there, and with unity, support, and the right environment, this generation can achieve great things for Ghana. Queiroz's message comes at a crucial time as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Queiroz also thanked Ghanaians and Black Stars supporters for their backing during his time in charge. He expressed his appreciation for their passion, support, and warmth, stating that he will always carry Ghana with him with respect and affection. The Portuguese coach had been hoping to rebuild the team, but the recent defeats led to his departure.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign has been a challenging start for the Black Stars, with the team yet to earn a point from their first two matches. The Gambia and Côte d'Ivoire are currently leading the group, and Ghana will need to secure crucial wins in their upcoming matches to stay in contention for a spot in the tournament.
Queiroz's departure has raised questions about the team's future, but his message to the fans is clear: to believe in the players, protect them, and support them. The Ghana Football Association will need to work quickly to find a replacement and rebuild the team's momentum ahead of the next qualifiers.
As the Black Stars look to recover from their difficult start, the team's fans will play a crucial role in creating a positive environment around the national team. With the right support and unity, the team can potentially turn their campaign around and achieve success in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz urges Ghanaians to support Black Stars players despite difficult start to 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign
- Queiroz parted ways with Ghana Football Association after consecutive defeats in AFCON qualifiers
- Black Stars are bottom of Group C after two matches, with Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia leading the group
