Ghana have ended Carlos Queiroz’s latest spell in charge of the Black Stars after just two matches, bringing the Portuguese coach’s return to the national team to an abrupt conclusion.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed that its relationship with the experienced coach has come to an end after Ghana opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with consecutive defeats.
Two Losses Put Ghana Under Immediate Pressure
Queiroz’s second stint with Ghana began on 2 September, when he was brought back to lead the technical team during the AFCON qualifying campaign.
The appointment came shortly after his initial assignment with the Black Stars, which was specifically focused on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Ghana reached the knockout stages of the tournament under Queiroz, but his original mandate ended immediately after the World Cup.
AFCON Campaign Starts With Back-to-Back Defeats
The 73-year-old coach returned with the expectation of guiding Ghana through qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Instead, the Black Stars suffered defeats in both of their opening Group C matches.
Ghana were beaten 2-0 by Ivory Coast before suffering another setback against The Gambia, losing 4-2.
Those results left Ghana without a point and at the bottom of the Group C standings after the opening two matches.
Queiroz Says Conditions Were Not Right
Queiroz confirmed that the decision to end his contract was reached by mutual agreement.
In a statement released through the GFA’s media team, the coach said the circumstances surrounding the team meant that continuing the relationship was no longer considered appropriate.
He said the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football had to take priority, while acknowledging that the team’s recent performances contributed to the decision.
A Short Second Spell Comes to an End
Queiroz’s return to Ghana was brief, lasting barely a month before the two sides agreed to terminate their relationship.
The latest departure adds another short chapter to the coach’s long career in international football, which has included spells with several national teams and clubs around the world.
His Ghana tenure across his periods with the national side ultimately produced limited results.
Queiroz Leaves With One Win From Seven Matches
Across his seven matches in charge of Ghana in all competitions, Queiroz recorded one victory, two draws and four defeats.
Although his overall record was modest, his first assignment with the Black Stars did include a notable achievement.
The coach guided Ghana to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving the country its first appearance in the tournament’s knockout phase since the 2010 edition.
Ghana Must Now Find Another Direction
With the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign already underway, the GFA will now have to determine its next move in the technical area.
Ghana’s opening two defeats have left the Black Stars with ground to recover in Group C, while the early termination of Queiroz’s contract means the team will enter the next stage of qualification under new leadership.
The immediate priority will be to stabilise the squad and revive Ghana’s qualification campaign after a difficult start.
