GILMEDIANETWORK

Carlos Queiroz sacked as Ghana Coach

10/1/20261 min read

Carlos Queiroz has been dismissed as head coach of Ghana’s national team following a poor run of results with the Black Stars.

The decision comes after a disastrous start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where Ghana suffered consecutive defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia. The Black Stars opened their Group C campaign with a 2-0 loss in Bouaké on September 24, before collapsing to a 4-2 defeat in Accra just five days later.

Against The Gambia, Ghana squandered a two-goal advantage after Ernest Nuamah’s penalty and Felix Afena-Gyan’s stunning free-kick had put them ahead. The visitors rallied before halftime and completed a remarkable comeback, leaving Ghana pointless after two matches.

Queiroz’s reign had begun with Ghana reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team edged Panama 1-0, drew with England, and lost narrowly to Croatia before bowing out to Colombia in the Round of 32. Despite progressing from the group, Ghana’s lack of attacking threat was exposed, and the AFCON qualifying defeats intensified scrutiny on the Portuguese coach.

Following the loss to The Gambia, Queiroz insisted he would not resign, stressing that his future depended on the Ghana Football Association. His dismissal now ends his tenure abruptly, leaving the GFA with the urgent task of appointing a successor capable of reviving Ghana’s qualification hopes.

With no points from their opening fixtures, the Black Stars face a steep challenge to rescue their AFCON campaign.