Portuguese coach parts ways with Ghana by mutual consent after Black Stars suffer defeats in opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Accra, Ghana — Carlos Queiroz has bid farewell to Ghana after the Portuguese coach and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) mutually agreed to terminate his contract following the Black Stars’ disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Queiroz, 73, confirmed his departure in a farewell message on Thursday, saying the decision was not easy but that both sides had agreed it was the appropriate course of action in the circumstances.
He said the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football had been placed above all other considerations.
“It has been an honour to serve Ghana and the Black Stars,” Queiroz said, thanking the GFA and its president for giving him the opportunity to lead the national team.
The coach also suggested that circumstances surrounding the team had contributed to the decision, saying the conditions he believed were necessary to build a stronger future for Ghanaian football had not been fully established.
He added that the team’s recent performances had also played a role in bringing his spell to an end.
Difficult start to AFCON qualifying
Queiroz’s departure comes just two days after Ghana surrendered a two-goal lead to suffer a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia in Accra.
The result followed a 2-0 loss away to Côte d’Ivoire in Ghana’s opening Group C qualifier, leaving the four-time African champions without a point from their first two matches.
The Black Stars are in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia, with the next qualifying fixtures scheduled for November.
Queiroz’s latest spell in charge lasted seven matches, with Ghana recording one victory, two draws and four defeats. The only win came against Panama in the opening match of Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
World Cup campaign
Queiroz was initially appointed in April on a short-term mandate to lead Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars progressed to the Round of 32 before losing 1-0 to Colombia. The coach subsequently stepped down, but the GFA reappointed him in September for a new mandate ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.
His return, however, lasted only two matches before the GFA and the coach agreed to end their relationship.
‘Believe in these players’
Despite his departure, Queiroz used his farewell message to urge Ghanaians to continue supporting the Black Stars players.
He praised the squad for representing Ghana with courage and commitment and called on supporters to believe in, protect and support the players.
Queiroz said he remained convinced that Ghana possessed the talent and potential to achieve significant things if the team was provided with unity, support and the right environment.
He also thanked his technical staff and everyone who supported the team, particularly during preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
The Portuguese coach ended his message by stressing that Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football should remain the priority.
“I leave with respect, gratitude and pride,” he said.
The GFA must now determine its next coaching appointment as Ghana continues its campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.