The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has shed light on the reasons behind the departure of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz from the Black Stars. According to GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, Queiroz was frustrated by the country's football infrastructure, particularly the lack of a dedicated training base for the national team. The GFA confirmed on October 1 that it had mutually agreed to part ways with the 73-year-old coach following Ghana's disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ghana's poor start to the qualifiers saw them suffer defeats to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, leaving them bottom of Group C without a point after two matches. Asante Twum revealed that the lack of infrastructure in the country was a major concern for Queiroz. He told Kessben FM that the coach was surprised to find out that the Black Stars do not have a camp base where the team trains. This was a significant issue for Queiroz, who believed that it affected the team's performance.
The GFA official further explained that Queiroz was disappointed to find out that the team trains at the same venue where they play their matches. He believes that this setup does not help in getting a proper pitch, which is essential for the team's preparation. Asante Twum also noted that Ghana currently has only one approved stadium, which further complicates preparations for the national team. This limited infrastructure has significant implications for the team's ability to train and prepare for matches.
With Ghana now searching for a new head coach, a five-member committee has been tasked with identifying the next occupant of the position. The committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the Sports Ministry on October 9. The Black Stars will next face Somalia in a double-header as they attempt to revive their qualification hopes and secure a return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the 2025 tournament.
The departure of Queiroz has brought Ghana's football infrastructure into sharp focus. The country's lack of a dedicated training base and limited stadium options have been highlighted as significant concerns. The GFA will need to address these issues if they are to attract a top-class coach to lead the Black Stars.
The Black Stars have a challenging road ahead of them if they are to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. They will need to secure a win against Somalia in their upcoming double-header to revive their qualification hopes. The team's performance will be closely watched, and the GFA will be under pressure to deliver a positive result.
The GFA's search for a new head coach is ongoing, and the committee tasked with identifying the next coach will need to consider the country's infrastructure limitations. The new coach will need to be able to work with the available resources and help the team overcome its current challenges. The GFA will be hoping to find a coach who can lead the Black Stars to success despite the country's infrastructure limitations.
Key points
- The lack of a dedicated training base was a major concern for coach Carlos Queiroz.
- Ghana currently has only one approved stadium, complicating preparations for the national team.
- A five-member committee has been tasked with identifying the next head coach of the Black Stars.
