Carlos Queiroz has left his position as Ghana head coach by mutual consent, just two days after the Black Stars were beaten 4-2 at home by The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Ghana Football Association confirmed the Portuguese manager’s departure in a statement on Thursday, saying the decision followed discussions held in an atmosphere of “mutual respect”.
The association said ending the agreement had “not been an easy decision”, but both parties considered it the most appropriate option “in the current circumstances”.
Queiroz said the interests of Ghana and Ghanaian football had been placed above everything else, while acknowledging that the team’s recent results contributed to the decision to end his tenure.
“Despite our efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully in place, and our recent results also contributed to the decision to bring this journey to an end,” said the 73-year-old.
Ghana suffer poor start to qualifying campaign
Queiroz’s departure comes after Ghana made a damaging start to their qualifying campaign.
The Black Stars opened with a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast before losing 4-2 to The Gambia, despite taking a two-goal lead in the second match.
Those results leave Ghana bottom of Group C without a point after two games. They have conceded six goals.
Queiroz apologised to supporters after the defeat by The Gambia. He said the absence of several players and changes to the squad between the two matches had affected the team’s performance.
Second spell ends after short-term return
Queiroz was appointed Ghana manager in April, replacing Otto Addo, initially on a short-term four-month contract covering Ghana’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Ghana reached the last 32 at that tournament before being eliminated by Colombia, who won 1-0.
His contract ended after the World Cup, but the Ghana Football Association later reached a new agreement with him, allowing him to return for a second spell.
The renewed arrangement covered the September international break and the opening of Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Queiroz was in charge for matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, with Ghana losing both.
Ghana are now without a permanent manager ahead of the next stage of qualifying. They share Group C with Ivory Coast, The Gambia and Somalia and are attempting to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous edition, held in Morocco.
The Ghana Football Association has not said whether it will appoint a caretaker manager or when a permanent successor to Queiroz will be announced.
In his final message, Queiroz thanked the Ghana Football Association president, his coaching staff and the players for their support during his time with the national team.
He also urged Ghanaian supporters to “believe in these players” and “protect them”, ending with the words: “Ghana first. The Black Stars first. Ghanaian football first.”
