BY ISSAH OLEGOR
The search for a permanent head coach for the Black Stars has entered a new phase, with experienced French tactician Patrice Beaumelle emerging as one of the names being considered by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The Black Stars are currently without a substantive head coach following the expiration of Carlos Queiroz’s short-term contract after Ghana participates in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Queiroz was appointed in April on a four-month contract after the departure of Otto Addo in March. His primary responsibility was to guide Ghana through the World Cup, leaving the GFA with the task of deciding on a long-term successor once the tournament ended.
Although former Ghana U-20 coach Desmond Ofei is understood to be among the leading candidates for the position, Beaumelle has now been proposed as another option as the football association assesses possible candidates for the vacant role.
The French coach brings considerable experience from African international football, having worked with several national teams on the continent. His coaching background includes spells with Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia and Angola, giving him familiarity with the demands and competitive nature of African football.
Beaumelle’s connection with Côte d’Ivoire goes back to the Elephants’ successful 2015 Africa Cup of Nations campaign. He served as part of the technical team that helped the Ivorians win the continental title in Equatorial Guinea before subsequently taking charge of the national side.
His experience also extends to Zambia and Angola, where he managed the respective national teams and gained further exposure to African international competitions.
The potential consideration of Beaumelle comes at an important moment for Ghanaian football. The Black Stars are preparing for the next major phase of their international programme after a difficult period that included Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The GFA is expected to assess the available candidates before settling on a coach capable of rebuilding the Black Stars and guiding them through the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
Queiroz is still under consideration.
