Carlos Queiroz has left his position as Ghana head coach, two days after the Black Stars surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 to Gambia in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced the separation on Thursday, describing it as “not an easy decision” made “in a spirit of mutual respect”. It did not name a replacement.
Queiroz published a farewell message through the GFA, saying: “Despite our commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully in place, and our recent results weighed on the decision to bring this journey to an end.”
Neither the Portuguese coach nor the GFA explained what was meant by the “necessary conditions”. He ended his statement with the words: “Ghana first. The Black Stars first. Ghanaian football first.”
Ghana collapse after taking control
The Black Stars appeared to be in command at Accra Sports Stadium after Ernest Nuamah converted a penalty in the 27th minute and Felix Afena-Gyan made it 2-0 six minutes later.
Gambia began its recovery when Muhammed Badamosi scored from the penalty spot in the 37th minute. Omar Colley levelled in the 42nd minute, one minute before Moroccan referee Mustapha Kechchaf cautioned Queiroz for disputing a decision, according to Ghanaian website Ghanamma.
Ebrima Colley put the Scorpions ahead in the 68th minute before completing his second goal in added time.
Agence France-Presse reported that supporters threw bottles on to the pitch towards the end of the match. Queiroz accepted responsibility for the result afterwards, telling the GFA website: “If there is one person who bears responsibility for this result, it is me.”
The defeat followed a 2-0 loss away to Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake on 24 September, leaving Ghana without a point from its opening two Group C matches.
Four-week return ends
Queiroz first took charge of Ghana in April 2026, replacing Otto Addo shortly before the World Cup. He led the team to the last 32, where they were beaten 1-0 by Colombia, marking Ghana’s first appearance in a knockout stage since 2010.
He left after the tournament but was recalled by the GFA in early September to begin the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana, four-time African champions, had already failed to qualify for the 2025 tournament in Morocco after being eliminated in November 2024.
Ghana six points from top two
Cote d’Ivoire and Gambia lead Group C with six points each. Somalia and Ghana have none, with the Black Stars bottom on goal difference at -4, compared with -3 for Somalia.
In groups without a host nation, only the top two qualify. The 2027 tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Four rounds remain, representing 12 available points. Ghana must still travel to Gambia and host Cote d’Ivoire in March 2027, requiring points against both teams currently six points ahead.
The GFA said it would announce the technical arrangements and next steps “in due course”. Ghana’s next matches are a double-header against Somalia in mid-November, although no interim coach had been appointed by Thursday lunchtime.
