GFA, Carlos Queiroz Part Ways After Black Stars’ Poor AFCON Qualifiers Start
The Portuguese coach leaves after Ghana suffered back-to-back defeats to Ivory Coast and The Gambia in the opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- Queiroz leaves Black Stars
- GFA confirms mutual separation
- Ghana lost first two qualifiers
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz have mutually agreed to end their working relationship following Ghana’s disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The decision comes after the Black Stars suffered consecutive defeats in their opening two matches of the qualifying campaign.
Ghana lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast in Bouake before throwing away a two-goal lead to suffer a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The results left Ghana without a point from their opening two matches and increased pressure on Queiroz and his technical team.
In a statement confirming the separation, the GFA said the decision followed discussions between both parties conducted in a spirit of mutual respect.
Queiroz said ending the relationship was considered the most appropriate decision under the circumstances, with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football taking priority.
The 74-year-old thanked the GFA, his technical staff, players and supporters for their support during his time in charge, while urging Ghanaians to continue backing the current generation of Black Stars players.
Queiroz was appointed in April 2026 on a short-term contract to lead Ghana into the 2026 FIFA World Cup after replacing Otto Addo.
He subsequently guided the Black Stars to the knockout stage of the World Cup, their first appearance at that stage since 2010, leading the GFA to retain him beyond the tournament.
However, his tenure has now ended following Ghana’s poor start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The GFA is expected to announce interim coaching arrangements in the coming days.
