Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has called on the Black Stars to put their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations behind them and focus on securing a place at the next tournament. The team missed out on the finals in Morocco for the first time in over two decades after a disappointing qualifying campaign under former coach Otto Addo. Ghana finished bottom of their group with three points from six matches.
The Black Stars' poor performance in the qualifying campaign has had a significant impact on the team, and Queiroz believes it is essential to overcome the psychological trauma of that disappointment. He made the comments ahead of Ghana's opening 2027 AFCON qualifier against Ivory Coast. The Portuguese coach emphasized that the team must move forward and not let the failure to qualify for one tournament undermine their reputation or history in African football.
Queiroz drew parallels with his home country, Italy, which failed to qualify for the World Cup on three consecutive occasions. He stressed that a single failure to qualify for a tournament does not define a team's or country's footballing history. The 73-year-old coach urged the Black Stars to focus on the present and work together to correct their mistakes.
Ghana's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON was a significant blow to the team's fans and the country's footballing community. However, Queiroz is confident that the team can bounce back and secure a place at the next tournament. The Black Stars begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign away to Ivory Coast at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.
The match against Ivory Coast will be a crucial test for Queiroz's side, and they will be looking to make a positive start to their qualifying campaign. Ghana will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. The team will continue their preparations with an international friendly against hosts Morocco in Tangier on 4 October.
Queiroz's side will face stiff competition in the qualifying campaign, but the coach is confident that they have the talent and determination to succeed. He emphasized that the team's focus should be on the present and the future, rather than dwelling on past disappointments. The Black Stars have a rich history in African football, and Queiroz is keen to help them build on that legacy.
As the Black Stars prepare to face Ivory Coast and The Gambia in their opening two qualifiers, Queiroz's message to the team is clear: they must move on from their AFCON 2025 failure and focus on the challenges ahead. The team's fans will be eagerly anticipating their performances in the qualifiers, and Queiroz will be under pressure to deliver a successful campaign.
Key points
- Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz urges Black Stars to move on from AFCON 2025 failure
- Queiroz draws parallels with Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup
- Ghana begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign away to Ivory Coast on Thursday
