Full Breakdown
Carlos Queiroz Leaves Ghana After Gambia Upset in AFCON Qualifiers
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Queiroz Resigns Following Home Defeat
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that veteran coach Carlos Queiroz has terminated his contract less than a month after being reappointed on September 2. The decision follows Ghana’s 4-2 loss to Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, in which the Black Stars surrendered a 2-0 lead.
Recent Qualifying Performance
Ghana entered the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with high expectations but have now lost both opening matches. After a 2-0 away defeat to Ivory Coast, the team fell 4-2 at home to Gambia, allowing the opponents to score four unanswered goals. The side sits bottom of Group C with zero points, six points behind the group leaders.
Official Statements & Responses
In a message posted on the GFA website, Queiroz said the separation was mutually agreed and necessary given the “present circumstances.” The GFA echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that ending the partnership served the interests of Ghanaian football. Both parties framed the move as a step toward stabilizing the national team amid the ongoing crisis.
Data & Statistics
- Queiroz’s record in his latest spell: 1 win, 2 draws, 4 defeats in seven matches.
- Goals scored: 5; goals conceded: 10.
- Group C standing: bottom, with a goal difference of –5.
- Previous tenure (2022-2023) saw Ghana reach the 2026 World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010.
What’s Next
The GFA must now appoint a new head coach as the qualifying window continues, with only the top two teams from each four-team group earning a place at AFCON 2027. Ghana faces a steep challenge to avoid missing a second consecutive tournament.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Share Queiroz