Carlos Queiroz steps down as Ghana coach after AFCON qualifying losses

Carlos Queiroz has officially left his position as the head coach of Ghana's national football team after a series of disappointing results in the qualifying rounds for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027. His departure comes on the heels of a damaging 4-2 defeat to Gambia, which has intensified the ongoing crisis surrounding the Black Stars. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced on Thursday that it had reached a mutual agreement with the veteran Portuguese coach to terminate his contract, just a month after reappointing him for a new term.

In a statement released by the GFA, Queiroz expressed that the decision was not made lightly but was necessary given the current circumstances. "This was not an easy decision, but both parties agreed that, under the present circumstances, ending our professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action, with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else," he stated. He further noted that the necessary conditions for success were not fully established, and the team's recent performances contributed to the decision to end his tenure.

The defeat to Gambia was particularly painful for the Black Stars, who had initially taken a 2-0 lead at the Accra Sports Stadium, thanks to goals from Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan. However, the team faltered dramatically, conceding four goals to Gambia, leaving them at the bottom of Group C without a point after two matches. This followed a previous loss to Ivory Coast, where Ghana was defeated 2-0 away from home.

Queiroz's record during his brief time in charge was far from impressive, with only one win, two draws, and four defeats across seven matches. The team managed to score just five goals while conceding ten, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of his coaching methods. His departure marks the end of a tumultuous five-month period that began in April when he signed a four-month contract aimed at leading Ghana to the 2026 World Cup.

What the Scoreboard Won't Tell You

Under Queiroz's guidance, Ghana reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 2010, achieving a notable victory against Panama and holding England to a draw. However, the team was eliminated in the round of 32 by Colombia, which ultimately led to the end of his initial mandate. The GFA's decision to reappoint him on September 2 now appears to have been premature, as the team struggles to find stability and direction.

With Ghana currently sitting six points behind both Ivory Coast and Gambia after just two matches, the challenge of qualifying for AFCON 2027 has become significantly steeper. Only the top two teams from each group will advance, and the Black Stars now face an uphill battle to avoid missing out on the tournament for a second consecutive time. Queiroz's exit leaves the GFA in search of a new coach who can restore confidence and performance within the squad, as the national team looks to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in African football.