Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has defended the Black Stars, stating that the team is not the problem despite a dismal run of results. Under fire after just one win in six games, Queiroz insists that the issues are challenges to be solved rather than a sign of deeper trouble. He made these comments ahead of Tuesday's Group C qualifier against Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Queiroz's comments come amid a torrid spell for the four-time African champions. Ghana have won just one of their last 11 matches and have been knocked out at the group stage in consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, while also failing to qualify for the most recent edition of the competition. Since taking charge of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, Queiroz has managed only a single win in six games.
The Portuguese tactician has urged fans to focus on supporting the players who are available, rather than complaining about those who are missing. He told fans who plan to attend the match only to complain about missing players that they would be better off staying at home. Queiroz added that solving the team's challenges is the duty of professionals in the game.
Ghana now sit at the bottom of their qualifying group and go into the Gambia match needing a positive result to get their campaign back on track. The team was dealt a blow ahead of the match, with several key players unavailable, including Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo. Defender Alexander Djiku was also ruled out through injury.
Despite the list of absentees, Queiroz is reportedly considering changes to his starting line-up for the match. Preparations for the match have otherwise gone smoothly, with the squad training without any fresh injury concerns on Monday. Goalkeeper coach Gaspar has also spoken up in support of the team's shot-stoppers ahead of the game.
For Ghanaian football fans, Tuesday's fixture carries significant weight. A win would give the Black Stars their first points of the 2027 AFCON qualifying series after the opening loss to Côte d'Ivoire. Another poor result would deepen concerns about the team's direction under Queiroz following successive tournament disappointments.
The match kicks off at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday. Queiroz's methods have come under intensified scrutiny following a 2-0 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké in the team's opening game of the 2027 AFCON qualifying series. The coach's record low win rate has raised questions about his ability to turn the team's fortunes around.
Key points
- Carlos Queiroz urges fans to support available Black Stars players amid criticism.
- Ghana need a positive result against Gambia to boost their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
- Queiroz faces challenges with several key players unavailable for the Gambia match.
