Reports have emerged that Pape Bouna Thiaw, the former coach of Senegal's national team, is on the verge of becoming the new head coach of Ghana's Black Stars. According to Gambian football outlet GamFoot, talks have progressed between Thiaw and Ghana's football authorities over the vacant position. Thiaw has been without a national-team job since leaving Senegal in July following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports have established a five-member committee to identify, assess, and recommend the next Black Stars coach. The committee, chaired by former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe, has until October 9, 2026, to submit its report. This development comes after Ghana parted ways with Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz following a poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Under Queiroz's management, Ghana played seven matches, winning only one. The team's performance was marred by losses to Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, prompting Queiroz's departure by mutual consent. Ghana is now preparing for their next AFCON qualifiers in November against Somalia. The team's search for a new coach has led to Thiaw emerging as a top contender.
Thiaw's credentials include guiding Senegal to the 2025 AFCON final, where they initially beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time. However, CAF's Appeal Board later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final due to the team's conduct, recording the match as a 3-0 win for Morocco. Thiaw's Senegal team also suffered group-stage defeats to France and Norway before losing to Belgium in the Round of 32.
The GFA and Sports Ministry's decision to form a search committee was announced on October 2, 2026. The committee's task is to recommend a suitable candidate for the Black Stars coaching position. With Thiaw reportedly close to agreeing to a deal, it remains to be seen whether he will be the committee's top recommendation.
Thiaw's potential appointment as Black Stars coach would mark a significant development in Ghanaian football. The team's performance has been under scrutiny following a disappointing start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The GFA and Sports Ministry are keen to find a suitable candidate to lead the team to success.
Ghana's Black Stars are set to face Somalia in their next AFCON qualifiers in November. The team's preparation for the match will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing in the qualifiers. With Thiaw emerging as a top contender for the coaching position, football fans in Ghana will be eagerly awaiting the official announcement.
Key points
- Pape Thiaw is reportedly close to agreeing to a deal to become Ghana's next Black Stars coach.
- The GFA and Sports Ministry have established a five-member committee to recommend the next Black Stars coach.
- Ghana parted ways with coach Carlos Queiroz following a poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
