The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has revealed that a lack of adequate football infrastructure was a significant factor in Carlos Queiroz's decision to leave his position as Black Stars coach. According to GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum, the 73-year-old Portuguese coach was particularly concerned about the absence of a dedicated training base for the national team. This was a key issue that contributed to his departure, following Ghana's poor start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Ghana's poor performance in the qualifying campaign, which included losses to Ivory Coast and The Gambia, led to the mutual decision to part ways with Queiroz. The Black Stars have yet to pick up a point in Group C, with their qualification hopes now under serious pressure. The team's situation has sparked a renewed focus on improving Ghana's football infrastructure, with the GFA acknowledging the need for a dedicated training base and better facilities.
Asante Twum explained that Queiroz was surprised to find that the Black Stars do not have a camp base where the team trains. He also expressed disappointment that the team uses the same venue for both training and competitive matches. According to Asante Twum, Queiroz believed that this affects the team's performance and does not help in getting a proper pitch. The GFA has acknowledged these concerns and is working to address them.
The GFA has established a five-member committee to oversee the search for Queiroz's successor. The committee is expected to submit its report to the Sports Ministry on Friday, 9 October. In the meantime, Ghana will return to 2027 AFCON qualifying action in October with a double-header against Somalia. Both matches are scheduled to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Black Stars are attempting to return to the continental tournament after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. The 2027 edition will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Ghana's upcoming matches against Somalia will be crucial in determining their chances of qualification. The team will need to improve their performance and secure positive results to stay in contention.
The lack of infrastructure has been a long-standing issue for Ghana's national team. The absence of a dedicated training base and poor pitch conditions have been cited as concerns by previous coaches and players. The GFA's efforts to address these issues will be crucial in improving the team's performance and competitiveness.
Asante Twum's comments provide insight into the challenges faced by the Black Stars under Queiroz's leadership. The GFA's commitment to addressing these issues and finding a new coach will be essential in determining the team's future success. Key appointments and improvements to infrastructure will be critical in helping Ghana achieve its football goals.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz cited lack of football infrastructure as a reason for leaving Black Stars job
- Ghana's poor start to 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign led to Queiroz's departure
- GFA establishes committee to find Queiroz's successor, with report due on October 9
