**Carlos Queiroz Resigns as Ghana Coach Following AFCON Qualifying Defeats**
Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, is facing a significant upheaval as head coach Carlos Queiroz has resigned following a disappointing start to the qualifying rounds for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The announcement was made by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Thursday, marking a swift end to Queiroz's second tenure with the team, just a month after his reappointment.
The decision to part ways with the veteran Portuguese coach comes on the heels of a damaging 4-2 defeat to Gambia, a match that saw Ghana squander a 2-0 lead at the Accra Sports Stadium. The loss was particularly painful for the four-time African champions, who are now at the bottom of Group C without any points after two matches, following an earlier 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast.
In a statement released by the GFA, Queiroz expressed that the decision to terminate his contract was mutual and based on the current circumstances surrounding the team. He emphasized that the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars, and Ghanaian football were paramount in making this difficult choice. "The necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end," he stated.
Queiroz's tenure was marked by a mixed record, with the coach achieving one win, two draws, and suffering four defeats in his seven matches in charge. During this period, the Black Stars managed to score five goals but conceded ten, raising concerns over the team's defensive capabilities and overall performance.
His appointment in April 2026 was initially aimed at guiding Ghana through the 2026 World Cup, where he successfully led the team to the knockout stage for the first time since 2010. Under his leadership, Ghana secured a notable victory against Panama and held England to a draw, although they were ultimately eliminated by Colombia in the round of 32.
Despite this success, his recent reappointment on September 2 was short-lived, as the GFA now seeks to stabilize the team at a critical juncture. Ghana's current position in the qualifying group is precarious, sitting six points behind both Ivory Coast and Gambia. With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the tournament, the Black Stars face a challenging road ahead to avoid missing out on a second consecutive AFCON.
As the GFA begins its search for a new head coach, the focus will be on finding someone who can restore confidence and performance to a team that has struggled in recent competitions. The departure of Queiroz marks yet another chapter in the ongoing challenges faced by Ghanaian football, as the nation looks to reclaim its status as a powerhouse in African football.