Carlos Queiroz leaves Ghana post after AFCON qualifying defeats

Carlos Queiroz has left his position as coach of Ghana after the Ghana Football Association agreed with him to terminate his contract by mutual consent.

The decision came after Ghana suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Gambia in an Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match. The Black Stars had taken a 2-0 lead before Gambia scored four times.

Ghana bottom of Group C

The result followed a 2-0 away loss to Ivory Coast, leaving Ghana without a point after two Group C matches. Ghana is six points behind both Ivory Coast and Gambia, according to the available report.

The qualification challenge is now difficult, with only the top two teams from each four-team group advancing.

Queiroz’s departure comes less than a month after the GFA reappointed him on September 2. His overall record during the seven-match spell was one win, two draws and four defeats, with Ghana scoring five goals and conceding 10.

Second spell ends quickly

The 73-year-old coach initially took charge in April on a four-month contract intended to lead Ghana to the 2026 World Cup. His initial mandate ended after the tournament, before the association brought him back.

During his time with the team, Queiroz guided Ghana into the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010. Ghana beat Panama and drew with England before Colombia eliminated the Black Stars 1-0 in the round of 32.

In a parting message published on the GFA’s website, Queiroz said the decision had been reached in the interests of the country, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football.

“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,” he said.

Queiroz added that “the necessary conditions were not fully established” and that the team’s recent performance contributed to the decision to end the relationship.

The GFA has not identified a replacement coach in the information available.