Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has addressed the team's recent struggles ahead of their 2027 AFCON qualifier against The Gambia. The Black Stars have managed just one win in 11 matches, with their last outing ending in a 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire. Queiroz acknowledged the team faces real challenges but pushed back against the idea of a crisis within the squad. He made the remarks at his pre-match press conference ahead of the fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
Queiroz, who took charge of the Black Stars before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has managed just one win in his six matches in charge. However, Ghana's struggles predate his appointment, with the team having been on a five-game losing streak before his appointment. Despite mounting pressure, Queiroz was firm in his assessment of the team's situation during the press conference. He emphasized that the team faces challenges, but it is not a fundamental problem that cannot be resolved.
The 73-year-old tactician stressed that the team's poor recent form reflects challenges that can be overcome rather than a deep-seated problem. Queiroz said, "Black Stars are facing a couple of challenges, a couple of problems, but Black Stars is not a problem." He added that it is the team's duty as professionals to solve the problems they face. Queiroz's comments aim to reassure the public about the state of the Black Stars ahead of the crucial qualifier.
Tuesday's fixture against The Gambia takes on added urgency following Ghana's 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké last Thursday. A positive result would provide much-needed momentum as the Black Stars attempt to rebuild confidence and mount a credible qualifying bid. The stakes are particularly high given Ghana's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, which brought an end to a run of more than two decades of consecutive appearances at the continental tournament.
Returning to Africa's premier continental competition is now the clear priority for Queiroz and his squad. The team's recent struggles have raised concerns among fans, but Queiroz is focused on resolving the challenges and getting the team back on track. He has sent a message to Black Stars supporters ahead of the match, urging them to support the team during this critical period.
The Black Stars' failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco was a significant setback for Ghanaian football. The team had been a consistent presence at the continental tournament for over two decades, and their absence was felt deeply by fans. Queiroz and his squad are determined to make amends and secure a spot in the 2027 AFCON.
The match against The Gambia is a crucial one for the Black Stars, and Queiroz is hoping to get a positive result. The team's recent struggles have been well-documented, but Queiroz is confident that they can overcome their challenges and achieve success. The fixture kicks off at 16:00 GMT at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz addresses Ghana's struggles ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifier against Gambia
- Black Stars seek first points in Group C after 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire
- Queiroz reassures fans that team's struggles are not a fundamental problem
