Carlos Queiroz has left his position as head coach of Ghana’s senior national team after the Black Stars suffered defeats in their opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Portuguese coach agreed to end their working relationship by mutual consent on Thursday, October 1, bringing his latest spell in charge to an abrupt conclusion.
The decision came just two days after Ghana suffered a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. The result followed a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the opening Group C fixture, leaving the Black Stars without a point from their first two qualifying matches.
Queiroz had only recently returned to the Ghana job. The 73-year-old coach was initially appointed in April on a short-term agreement to lead the team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following Ghana’s World Cup campaign, he stepped away from the position but was brought back by the GFA on September 2 to continue with the national team.
His second spell, however, lasted only two matches.
Gambia defeat proves decisive
The loss to The Gambia proved particularly damaging because Ghana had appeared to be in a strong position during the match.
Ernest Nuamah opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Felix Afena-Gyan added a second goal to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage.
The lead did not last. The Gambian side fought back and scored four times to complete a dramatic comeback, leaving Ghanaian supporters stunned at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The defeat followed another setback against Côte d’Ivoire, meaning Ghana have conceded six goals while scoring only two in their first two AFCON qualifying matches.
The Black Stars are currently bottom of Group C, with Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia making up the group.
With only the top two teams in the four-team group qualifying, Ghana now face a difficult task in their attempt to return to the continental championship.
Queiroz cites difficult circumstances
In a statement following his departure, Queiroz said the decision was reached after discussions between both sides.
He acknowledged that the team’s recent performances played a role in the decision but also indicated that the conditions needed to continue the project were not fully in place.
The Portuguese coach expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with Ghana and said his intention had been to help establish a stronger future for the Black Stars while contributing to the development of Ghanaian football.
He also thanked the players, technical staff and supporters for their backing during his time with the national team.
Queiroz called on Ghanaians to continue supporting the players despite the team’s recent results, arguing that the squad possesses the talent and potential to achieve success.
World Cup campaign ends before AFCON setback
Queiroz’s departure marks the end of a turbulent period that began with Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
Under his leadership, the Black Stars reached the knockout stage of the tournament, their first appearance in that phase since 2010.
Ghana defeated Panama in the group stage and drew with England before progressing to the Round of 32. Their campaign eventually ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
After the tournament, Queiroz initially left his post before agreeing to return to oversee Ghana’s next phase.
That comeback was short-lived, however, as the two AFCON qualifying defeats quickly put his position under pressure.
Across his latest period in charge, Queiroz recorded one victory, two draws and four defeats in seven matches, with Ghana scoring five goals and conceding 10.
Ghana must now find another coach
The GFA will now have to determine its next move as the Black Stars continue their AFCON 2027 qualification campaign.
Ghana’s next qualifiers are scheduled against Somalia in November, giving the football authorities limited time to decide whether to appoint an interim manager or seek a permanent replacement.
The coaching change also comes at a critical point for the Black Stars. Ghana missed the previous Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and are now attempting to secure a place at the 2027 tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
For Queiroz, the latest departure brings an unexpectedly early end to a second stint that began with the prospect of building on Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
The immediate focus for the GFA will now shift towards finding a new technical direction and preparing the Black Stars for the remaining qualifying fixtures.
