Carlos Queiroz leaves Ghana role less than a month after Black Stars return

Carlos Queiroz leaves Ghana role less than a month after Black Stars return Carlos Queiroz has left his position as Ghana head coach by mutual agreement less than a month after being reappointed by the Ghana Football Association. The experienced Portuguese coach confirmed his departure on Thursday following discussions with the GFA over the direction of the Black Stars. Queiroz said both parties concluded that the “necessary conditions” to continue their work together were no longer in place, while acknowledging that Ghana’s recent results contributed to the decision. His departure comes just two days after a damaging 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Ghana had established a 2-0 first-half lead through Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan before collapsing at the Accra Sports Stadium. Queiroz subsequently accepted responsibility for the performance and apologised to supporters, describing the result as a terrible day for Ghanaian football. The defeat proved to be his final match in charge during a remarkably brief second spell. The 73-year-old was initially appointed in April on a four-month contract to lead Ghana at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Ghana defeated Panama and held England to a goalless draw during the group stage before advancing to the knockout rounds despite losing to Croatia. Their tournament ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the round of 32, after which Queiroz’s original mandate expired. The GFA nevertheless brought him back on September 2 following discussions with the country’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation, citing his experience and knowledge of the squad. Queiroz was given responsibility for beginning Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, but that renewed partnership has now ended within weeks. “This was not an easy decision,” Queiroz said in his farewell statement. “Both parties agreed that, under the present circumstances, ending our professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action.” The former Real Madrid and Portugal manager also urged supporters to continue backing Ghana’s players, insisting the squad possesses the talent to achieve success with the right environment. Queiroz has extensive experience in international football, having previously managed Portugal, Iran, Colombia, Egypt and Qatar, while he also worked as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United. The GFA must now identify another head coach with Ghana’s AFCON qualification campaign already under way. Queiroz leaves insisting he retains “respect, gratitude and pride” from his time with the Black Stars, but his unexpectedly short second spell underlines the urgency surrounding Ghana’s latest rebuilding project.