Ghana's Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has called on his players to elevate their game as the team begins its journey to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. With the opening Group C qualifiers against Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia scheduled for later this month, Queiroz emphasized that hard work will be crucial in achieving the team's objectives. This comes after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
The Black Stars are seeking to end a 44-year wait for continental glory, having last won the AFCON trophy in 1982. Ghana's recent performances in the AFCON have been underwhelming, with successive group-stage exits at the 2021 and 2023 editions. Queiroz stressed the importance of continuous improvement as he aims to build a competitive side capable of challenging Africa's top teams. He highlighted that every squad selection, training session, and match must contribute to building a better team.
Speaking to the Ghana FA media ahead of the qualifiers, Queiroz emphasized the need for humility and recognition of the team's current standing. He noted that to compete with the best teams, Ghana must work even harder and smarter. Queiroz's approach focuses on turning the team's ambitions into reality through dedicated effort and a growth mindset. This approach will be put to the test in the upcoming qualifiers.
Ghana's preparations for the qualifiers have been bolstered by their recent performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The Black Stars reached the Round of 32, where they exited the tournament following the group stage. Queiroz's side will depart Accra on September 23 for their opening qualifier against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on September 24.
Following the match against Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana will return home to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 27. These qualifiers are crucial for Ghana's chances of returning to the AFCON after a setback in the 2025 qualification process. A successful campaign would mark a significant step towards regaining the team's competitive edge in African football.
After the qualifiers, Queiroz's side will conclude the international window with a friendly match against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on October 4. This match provides an additional opportunity for the team to fine-tune its strategy and build momentum ahead of future competitions. The team's performance in these matches will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
As Ghana embarks on this critical phase of qualification, the team's ability to adapt Queiroz's strategies and elevate their performance will be key to their success. With a renewed focus on hard work and continuous improvement, the Black Stars aim to make a strong statement in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and beyond.
Key points
- Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz emphasizes the need for hard work and continuous improvement to achieve the team's ambitions in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- The Black Stars face Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in their opening Group C qualifiers later this month.
- Ghana's successful qualification would mark a significant step towards regaining the team's competitive edge in African football.
