Carlos Queiroz has left his position as head coach of the Ghana national football team, ending a stint that included a run to the seizièmes de finale at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Le Figaro reported. The 73-year-old Portuguese manager and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) officially parted ways on Thursday following a disappointing start to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying campaign.
A Sudden Collapse Against Gambia Seals the Exit
The departure comes just two days after the Black Stars suffered a 4-2 defeat to Gambia at home on Tuesday, September 29, during the second round of AFCON 2027 qualifiers, according to Football.fr. The match saw Ghana collapse after holding a comfortable 2-0 lead within the first 33 minutes following goals from Ernest Nuamah via a penalty and Felix Afena-Gyan, as detailed by Lyonfoot.com. Gambia responded with strikes from Mohammed Badamosi, Omar Colley, and a brace from Ebrima Colley to complete the comeback.
The defeat left Ghana at the bottom of Group C with zero points after two matches, having previously lost 2-0 away to Côte d’Ivoire. Queiroz shouldered the blame for the collapse, stating in remarks published by the federation that the quick goals conceded before halftime ruined the team’s morale. “I take the responsibility for this result. Please leave the players, because it’s not their responsibility.”
A Short-Lived Return After the 2026 World Cup
Queiroz originally took charge in April on a four-month contract designed to steer the Black Stars through the FIFA World Cup. He successfully guided the squad to the Round of 32, where they were eliminated by Colombia. Although the initial agreement concluded after the tournament, the GFA rehired him on September 2 to oversee the opening matches of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. That second tenure lasted less than a month.
In a farewell message published on the GFA website, Queiroz explained that the decision to leave was mutual. “Ce n’était pas une décision facile, mais les deux parties ont convenu que, dans les circonstances actuelles, mettre fin à notre relation professionnelle était la solution la plus appropriée, les intérêts du Ghana, des Black Stars et du football ghanéen primant sur tout le reste,” Queiroz stated, noting that the required conditions were not fully met.
Statistics of a Brief Tenure
The GFA confirmed the termination in a brief statement emphasizing that the broader interests of Ghanaian football necessitated the split.
Upcoming Fixtures for the Black Stars
With qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations already under pressure, the Ghana Football Association faces an urgent search for a replacement. The Black Stars are scheduled to return to competitive action in November with a double-header against Somalia in the qualifying group stage.
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