Carlos Queiroz’s latest spell as Ghana head coach has come to an abrupt end, with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirming that both parties have mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
The decision comes after Ghana suffered a damaging 4-2 home defeat to Gambia in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifiers. The result was particularly painful for the Black Stars, who surrendered a two-goal advantage after Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan had put them in control at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Gambia responded with four goals to complete a remarkable comeback, leaving Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches. The Black Stars had previously suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Ivory Coast.
Why Have Ghana and Queiroz Parted Ways?
Queiroz’s departure comes barely a month after the GFA reappointed him for another mandate. His latest spell had produced a difficult run of results, with Ghana recording just one win, two draws and four defeats in seven matches, scoring five goals and conceding 10.
In a farewell message published by the GFA, Queiroz acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding the decision.
“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.”
He added:
“The necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end.”
The latest defeat leaves Ghana facing an early challenge in their AFCON qualification campaign. With only the top two teams from the four-team group advancing, the Black Stars now have little room for further setbacks.
A coach with extensive experience
73 year old Queiroz leaves Ghana with a managerial career spanning several decades and numerous countries. At club level, he managed Sporting CP, New York/New Jersey MetroStars, Nagoya Grampus and Real Madrid, where he took charge during the club’s famous Galácticos era.
He also had two spells as assistant manager at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, from 2002-03 and 2004-08, contributing to a period that included Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League triumph.
On the international stage, Queiroz has managed Portugal, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Iran, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar and Oman, giving him extensive experience across different footballing cultures.
His Ghana tenure ultimately proved short-lived. The GFA must now begin another search for a coach capable of restoring stability and momentum to a team facing an increasingly demanding AFCON qualifying campaign.
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