The Black Stars' recent performance against Côte d'Ivoire has sparked debate over the future of head coach Carlos Queiroz. Some Ghanaian football supporters are questioning whether Queiroz's reported monthly salary of $80,000 is justified by the team's performances. Critics describe his tactical approach as too limited and heavily dependent on counter-attacking football, leaving forwards isolated and reducing their influence on matches. This has partly contributed to strikers like Jordan Ayew and Brandon Thomas-Asante struggling to make a consistent impact.
Several individual and tactical issues emerged from the encounter, including the need for a midfielder capable of shooting effectively from outside the penalty area. Questions have been raised about whether Abdul Fatawu Issahaku should start matches or be deployed as an impact substitute. Alexander Djiku's readiness after a lengthy absence has also come under scrutiny, while Gideon Mensah endured a difficult outing that added to concerns about the team's defensive balance.
Despite mounting criticism, Queiroz has confirmed that he will continue as head coach of the Black Stars. In a statement, he described the position as a privilege, responsibility, and mission to honour one of Africa's greatest football nations. Queiroz praised the courage, discipline, and commitment of the players, technical staff, and Ghana Football Association under challenging circumstances. He outlined plans to build a Black Stars team capable of competing strongly at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and ultimately challenging at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The performance against Côte d'Ivoire suggests that Ghana's problems involve both tactical organisation and poor finishing. Queiroz acknowledged that Ghana created four clear scoring opportunities but lacked the necessary inspiration and composure at the decisive moment. The team's match statistics present a complicated picture, with 11 attempts but only two shots on target. The Black Stars failed to register a single shot on target during the first half, struggling to transform possession and build-up play into sustained attacking pressure.
Poor finishing can explain missed opportunities, but it does not fully account for an attack that frequently appears predictable and disconnected. If forwards are receiving the ball in difficult positions, operating without adequate midfield support, or being forced to depend almost entirely on counter-attacks, then the problem extends beyond individual execution. The concern among analysts is that the match against Côte d'Ivoire may not have been an isolated poor performance, with Ghana's lack of attacking threat appearing repeatedly, particularly against stronger opponents.
Coaches cannot take responsibility for every missed opportunity, and players must demonstrate composure when chances arrive. Even the most sophisticated tactical system will fail if attackers cannot convert clear openings. The responsibility must therefore be shared between Queiroz and the players. Queiroz must develop a more flexible attacking structure, improve the connection between midfield and attack, and ensure that Ghana is not overly dependent on counter-attacking football.
As Ghana prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and pursues the longer-term objective of competing at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the debate should not be reduced to a simple choice between tactics and finishing. The evidence suggests that both areas require urgent improvement. Queiroz may retain the confidence of the football authorities, but the patience of supporters will ultimately depend on performances and results. Unless the Black Stars begin creating better opportunities and converting them consistently, questions about the team's direction—and the man leading it—will only grow louder.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz faces criticism over his tactical approach and the team's poor finishing.
- The Black Stars need to improve their attacking structure and connection between midfield and attack.
- The team's performance will ultimately determine the patience of supporters and the future of Queiroz as head coach.
