Carlos Queiroz has left his position as head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Portuguese coach agreed to terminate his contract following the team’s disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The decision was confirmed by the GFA following discussions between the association and Queiroz after Ghana’s opening two qualifying matches.
The four-time African champions lost both games, beginning with a 2-0 defeat by Côte d’Ivoire in Bouake on 24 September before suffering a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia five days later.
Those results leave Ghana bottom of their qualifying group without a point from their first two matches.
The defeat by The Gambia proved particularly damaging.
Ghana appeared to be in control after Ernest Nuamah converted a penalty and Felix Afena-Gyan scored from a free-kick to give the hosts a 2-0 advantage.
The Scorpions responded before the interval, however, and completed the comeback to hand Ghana a second consecutive defeat.
Queiroz’s departure brings an early end to his latest spell in charge of the Black Stars, which began with Ghana reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Ghana opened that tournament with a 1-0 victory over Panama, followed by a goalless draw with England. They then lost 2-1 to Croatia but still progressed from the group stage.
Their World Cup campaign ended in the last 32 after a 1-0 defeat by Colombia.
While Ghana advanced beyond the group stage, the campaign also highlighted areas the team needed to improve, particularly in attack.
The problems continued into the start of the AFCON qualifying campaign, with Ghana unable to collect a point from their first two matches.
In his statement confirming the end of his tenure, Queiroz said the decision followed discussions conducted respectfully between both parties.
“Following discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect, the Ghana Football Association and I have mutually agreed to terminate the Service Agreement governing my role as Head Coach of the Ghana National Team, the Black Stars,”
Queiroz said the decision had not been straightforward but that both sides believed ending the relationship was the appropriate option under the circumstances.
“This was not an easy decision, but both parties agreed that, under the present circumstances, ending our professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action, with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else.
“I came to Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the Black Stars and support the development of the country’s talent.
“Despite our commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end.
“I leave with respect, gratitude and pride.”
