Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has stressed the need for his team to focus on winning their next game as they start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Black Stars will open their Group C campaign against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, followed by a home match against The Gambia four days later. Queiroz believes that taking the campaign one game at a time is crucial for success.
Queiroz made the comments as Ghana prepares to face Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in the coming days. The coach emphasized that the most important trophy at this moment is the next game, saying, "You cannot be on the top roof of Accra without climbing the steps of the building and the steps for us now are to win the next game." This approach is vital for Ghana, who missed out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and are eager to avoid another qualification setback.
Ghana's first test will be a difficult away clash against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké, followed by a home match against The Gambia in Accra on September 29. The Black Stars have had to make several changes to their squad ahead of the opening fixture, with Mohammed Kudus and Nathaniel Adjei withdrawing through injury, while Thomas Partey was not invited due to his hamstring problems.
Alidu Seidu, Jonas Adjetey, Mohammed Fuseini, and Brandon Thomas-Asante have been called up as replacements for the injured and unavailable players. Despite these changes, Queiroz remains focused on the immediate task at hand, which is to overcome Côte d'Ivoire and then turn their attention to The Gambia.
The Black Stars are looking to make a positive start to their 2027 AFCON qualification campaign, and Queiroz is determined to lead the team to success. The coach has been in charge of the team for some time and has been working to build a strong squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Queiroz's approach to taking the campaign one game at a time has been echoed by his team, who are eager to get started and make a good impression. The Black Stars have a tough road ahead of them, but with Queiroz at the helm, they are confident of achieving their goals.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign is a crucial one for Ghana, and the team will need to be at their best to succeed. With Queiroz leading the team and a strong squad in place, the Black Stars are ready to take on the challenge and make a push for the tournament.
Key points
- Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz emphasizes the importance of focusing on the next game in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
- The Black Stars have made several changes to their squad ahead of the opening fixture due to injuries and unavailability.
- Ghana's first test will be a difficult away clash against Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké, followed by a home match against The Gambia in Accra on September 29.
