Queiroz parts ways with Black Stars after double AFCON qualifier loss

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz have mutually ended his short‑term tenure as Black Stars head coach. The decision was confirmed on Thursday, 1 October 2026, two days after the squad fell 4‑2 to The Gambia in a 2027 AFCON qualifier at home. That result added to an earlier 2‑0 loss against Côte d’Ivoire, leaving Ghana without a point in Group C’s opening fixtures. Queiroz had been installed as a temporary replacement for Otto Addo in April, tasked solely with steering the team through the World Cup qualifying cycle. His four‑month contract was always intended to expire after the cup campaign. In the joint statement released by the GFA’s Communications Department, both parties said the split was “not easy” but deemed it the most fitting step “under the present circumstances”. Both emphasised that Ghana’s football interests remained paramount. The move follows growing pressure after two winless matches that threatened early tournament qualification hopes. No immediate successor has been named, and the GFA will now begin a search for a permanent coach ahead of the next round of fixtures.

The departure of Queiroz marks the end of a brief but eventful chapter for Ghana’s senior side. The Portuguese tactician arrived amid high expectations, only to see the team stumble in its first two qualifiers. Frequent changes in coaching have become a pattern for the Black Stars, often sparking debate among fans and pundits. Analysts suggest that the GFA’s swift action reflects a desire for stability as the qualifiers progress. With the next matches looming, the association hopes to appoint a permanent manager who can rebuild confidence and revive the team’s competitive edge. The coming weeks will reveal whether a new appointment can steady the ship before the qualifying campaign reaches its midpoint.