Carlos Queiroz faced sharp criticism after Ghana’s 4-2 loss to Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Black Stars had led 2-0 before conceding four goals, a collapse that deepened doubts about the team’s direction under the Portuguese coach.
The defeat came just days after Ghana lost 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in the opening qualifier, leaving the team with zero points from two games and a difficult path to AFCON 2027. The result against Gambia sparked calls for Queiroz to step down or be sacked. Some fans confronted the coach directly during his post-match press conference.
Queiroz acknowledged the pressure but dismissed the idea that quitting would help Ghanaian football. “When results like this happen, the option to resign is the most easy solution. If you believe that if the coach resigns, you can change the situation of football in Ghana, I will be the first one to resign,” he said. “I don’t have that belief, but that is the decision for the board of the federation (GFA) to analyse and decide [whether to sack me or not].”
The loss to Gambia followed a second-half collapse that saw Ghana concede four goals. The Black Stars had taken an early 2-0 lead, raising hopes of a strong bounce back after their opening defeat. But defensive errors and lapses in concentration allowed Gambia to turn the game around, leaving the home crowd stunned.
Pressure on Queiroz has been mounting since Ghana missed the last Africa Cup of Nations tournament, their first absence in decades. His appointment was seen as a chance to rebuild and return the team to continental prominence. Instead, results have disappointed fans and officials alike.
The Ghana Football Association has not announced any decision regarding Queiroz’s future since the loss. The coach’s statement placed the responsibility on the federation’s board to decide, suggesting no immediate resignation from his side.
Ghana’s failure to secure points in the first two qualifiers raises serious questions about the team’s preparation and strategy as they aim to qualify for AFCON 2027. The upcoming matches will test Queiroz’s ability to steady the ship and convince the GFA and fans that he can still lead the Black Stars forward.
Tuesday’s game exposed defensive weaknesses and a lack of resilience when under pressure, issues Queiroz will need to address quickly. The collapse from a two-goal lead to a two-goal defeat was a stark reminder of the challenges facing the team.
For now, Queiroz remains in charge, but the mood around Ghanaian football is tense. Fans want results and are growing impatient. Whether the coach can turn the situation around remains to be seen.
According to Joy Online.
