Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has expressed confidence in his squad's ability to compete in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers despite injury and availability concerns. The four-time African champions face Côte d'Ivoire in Bouake on September 24 before hosting The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29, 2026. Ghana will also play Morocco in an international friendly during the period. Queiroz made the comments at a news conference in Accra.
The squad has been hit by injuries to key players, including Nathaniel Adjei, Jan Gyamerah, and Prince Kwabena Adu, while Mohammed Kudus, who recently recovered from injury, has withdrawn from the squad. In response, Queiroz has called up new players, including Jonas Adjetey, Alidu Seidu, Bradon Thomas-Asante, Mohammed Fuseni, Rahim Ibrahim, and Ebenezer Annan. The coach likened the team's challenges to a boat navigating difficult waters but expressed confidence in his squad's ability to compete.
Queiroz raised concerns over player availability, saying frequent changes to the squad had hindered efforts to build continuity within the national team. He emphasized the importance of building the team around a core of players. "You can't change seven, eight or 10 players every time the national team plays and expect to succeed," Queiroz said. "Availability, commitment and accountability are key words for success."
The Portuguese coach added that long-term success would require investment beyond the senior national side, arguing that player development and infrastructure were just as important as results on the pitch. He emphasized that Ghana has all the conditions to win trophies but needs to invest in player development, youth education, facilities, infrastructure, logistics, and medical capabilities.
Queiroz dismissed suggestions that style should take precedence over results, saying his style of football is the winning style. "I never saw coaches lose their job because of style. They lose their job because they don't win. Winning makes the style. Winning makes the fashion. That's the law of the game," he said.
The coach's comments come ahead of Ghana's crucial AFCON qualifiers, where they will face stiff competition from Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia. Queiroz's ability to navigate the team's challenges and lead them to success will be closely watched by Ghanaian fans and football pundits.
Ghana's football team has a rich history, having won the AFCON four times. The team's performance in the upcoming qualifiers will be a significant test of their abilities and a gauge of their chances of success in the tournament. With Queiroz at the helm, Ghana fans will be hoping for a strong showing and a return to winning ways.
Key points
- Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz confident in squad's ability to compete despite injury and availability concerns
- Queiroz emphasizes importance of building team around core players and investing in player development and infrastructure
- Ghana faces Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia in 2027 AFCON qualifiers
