Issah Olegor
Carlos Queiroz has parted ways with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) as head coach of the Black Stars by mutual consent, just two days after Ghana suffered a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The decision was announced by the GFA on Thursday, October 1, 2026, following discussions between the two parties over the Portuguese coach’s future.
Queiroz’s departure comes after Ghana endured a difficult start to their Group C campaign, losing their opening two matches against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.The Black Stars first suffered a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire before surrendering a two-goal advantage against The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, eventually losing 4-2.
The results have left Ghana without a point from two matches and at the bottom of Group C, with the team conceding six goals in the process.In announcing the separation, the GFA said the decision followed discussions conducted “in a spirit of mutual respect” and was not an easy one for either party.
According to the Association, both sides concluded that ending the service agreement was the most appropriate course of action under the circumstances.Queiroz also acknowledged that the Black Stars’ recent performances contributed to the decision.
“Despite our efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end,” the Portuguese coach said.
The 73-year-old coach said he arrived in Ghana with the objective of helping to build a stronger future for the Black Stars while contributing to the development of Ghanaian football talent. He also thanked the GFA President, members of his technical team and the players for their support during his time in charge.
Queiroz urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the Black Stars and their players. He called on supporters to “believe in these players” and “protect them”, before ending his message with a declaration that Ghana and its football must remain the priority.
“Ghana comes first. The Black Stars come first. Ghanaian football comes first,” he said.
Difficult AFCON qualifying campaign
The decision follows a disappointing opening to Ghana’s attempt to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous edition in Morocco. Ghana were drawn in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia, with the opening two fixtures presenting an opportunity for the Black Stars to establish themselves early in the qualification race.
Instead, Ghana lost both matches.
The first setback came in Bouaké against Côte d’Ivoire, where the Black Stars suffered a 2-0 defeat.
The team then returned home needing a positive result against The Gambia but experienced another setback despite taking a 2-0 lead.
The Gambians eventually turned the match around to secure a 4-2 victory, leaving Ghana at the bottom of the group without a point. Following the defeat, Queiroz apologised to supporters and pointed to the absence of several players and changes to the squad between the two matches as factors that affected the team’s performances.
Queiroz’s short Black Stars tenure
Queiroz was appointed Ghana head coach in April as a short-term replacement for Otto Addo.
His initial four-month contract was primarily linked to Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under his leadership, the Black Stars reached the Round of 32 before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
His future became uncertain after the World Cup, but the GFA subsequently reached an agreement with him to continue leading the team into the next stage of its programme.
The extended arrangement covered the September international window and Ghana’s opening AFCON qualifying fixtures.
However, Queiroz was unable to secure a positive result in either of his first two AFCON qualifiers, with Ghana losing to both Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia.
GFA faces another coaching decision
Queiroz’s departure now leaves the Black Stars without a permanent head coach ahead of the next AFCON qualifying window.
The GFA has not yet announced whether an interim coach will be appointed or when a permanent successor will be named.
The Association will therefore have to decide on its next technical direction as Ghana attempt to recover from their difficult start and revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
