The Carlos Queiroz era is over. Ghana have parted ways with the Portuguese coach less than 48 hours after the Black Stars suffered a painful 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The loss left Ghana bottom of Group C without a point from their opening two games. It also followed an earlier defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, leaving the Black Stars facing a difficult fight to get their qualifying campaign back on track.
Queiroz had made it clear after the Gambia defeat that he was not planning to resign. However, the Ghana Football Association has now confirmed the end of his time as head coach after discussions between both sides.
In his farewell statement, Queiroz said the decision was reached in a “spirit of mutual respect”. He also said both parties agreed that ending the relationship was the right step “with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else.”
His departure closes a brief and turbulent chapter. Queiroz took charge of seven matches, winning once, drawing twice and losing four times.
His biggest achievement was taking Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Black Stars reached the Round of 32 before their campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.
But World Cup progress could not hide the problems that followed. Ghana’s failure to collect a single point from their first two AFCON qualifiers placed immediate pressure on the coach and the GFA.
Queiroz also used his final message to defend the players. “Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them,” he said, stressing that the talent remains within the squad.
That message will now sit alongside a major challenge for the GFA. The federation must find a new coach who can bring stability while also reviving Ghana’s AFCON qualification hopes.
For supporters, another coaching change brings familiar frustration. The Black Stars now face another rebuild, with little room for further setbacks when the next international window arrives.
Queiroz leaves with Ghanaian football once again searching for answers. The next appointment will carry the weight of a nation that expects its Black Stars to compete, respond and rise again.
