Ghana's Black Stars head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has declared his determination to restore Ghana's ambition of winning the Africa Cup of Nations. The four-time continental champions prepare to begin another campaign in pursuit of the trophy they last lifted in 1982. Speaking to journalists on Monday, September 21, Queiroz emphasized the need for Ghana to confront the reasons behind its prolonged absence from the top of African football.
Queiroz believes that Ghana's 44-year wait for another continental title should prompt an honest and professional assessment of the factors that have prevented the Black Stars from reclaiming their position among Africa's leading football nations. He explained that the objective should not simply be to discuss Ghana's past disappointments but to identify the shortcomings that have contributed to them and establish a sustainable foundation for future success.
The coach highlighted the encouraging material in the current Black Stars squad, particularly the number of young players occupying important positions within the team. He pointed to young attackers and midfielders who are already gaining significant international experience despite being in their early twenties. According to Queiroz, these players present Ghana with an opportunity to develop a competitive team over the coming years.
Queiroz expressed hope that the rebuilding process can rapidly translate into tangible progress, including a deep run at the next Africa Cup of Nations. He said his personal ambition is to see Ghana reach the AFCON final within a year, although achieving such a target would require disciplined preparation, sustained improvement, and a collective commitment from the players and technical team.
The coach's comments come as the Black Stars enter a new phase under his leadership following his reappointment by the Ghana Football Association earlier this month. The GFA said the renewed mandate followed discussions with the association and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation after Queiroz had previously guided Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana has been drawn in Group C of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia, with the top two teams in the group scheduled to advance to the continental tournament in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Black Stars will launch their qualifying campaign away from home when they travel to Bouaké to face Côte d'Ivoire on Thursday, September 24.
The upcoming fixtures will also provide Queiroz with an opportunity to assess a squad that combines established internationals with emerging players and returning members. Among those recalled to the team is Mohammed Kudus, who missed Ghana's 2026 World Cup campaign because of injury and has now returned to the squad after recovering from a seven-month absence.
Key points
- Queiroz aims to see Ghana reach the AFCON final within a year.
