By Simon Asare, GNA
Accra, Oct. 1, GNA – Ghana national team coach Carlos Queiroz has parted ways with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) following the Black Stars’ disappointing start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The Portuguese coach announced that he and the GFA had mutually agreed to terminate his contract after discussions conducted in what he described as a “spirit of mutual respect.”
The decision comes after Ghana suffered back-to-back defeats in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers, losing to Ivory Coast and The Gambia, leaving the four-time African champions without a point from their first two matches.
“Following discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect, the Ghana Football Association and I have mutually agreed to terminate the Service Agreement governing my role as Head Coach of the Ghana National Team, the Black Stars,” Queiroz said in a statement.
He noted that while the decision was difficult, both parties believed ending their professional relationship was the best option under the current circumstances.
“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 stated.
Queiroz expressed gratitude to the GFA, particularly its President, for the opportunity to lead the national team.
“It has been an honour to serve Ghana and the Black Stars. I sincerely thank the Ghana Football Association and particularly its President for their trust and for the opportunity to lead such a proud football nation,” he said.
The former Real Madrid and Portugal coach revealed that he arrived in Ghana with the ambition of helping to build a stronger future for the Black Stars and contribute to talent development but acknowledged that challenges on and off the pitch influenced the outcome.
“I came to Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the Black Stars and support the development of the country’s talent. Despite our commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end,” he said.
Queiroz paid tribute to his technical staff and players, especially for their efforts during preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
“I thank my technical staff and everyone who supported us, particularly since the start of our work, preparing for the World Cup 2026,” he said.
He reserved special praise for the Black Stars players, urging Ghanaians to continue supporting the squad despite the team’s recent struggles.
“Thank you to all of them who represented Ghana with courage, commitment and pride. You fought for your country and carried the hopes of millions.
“Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them.
“The talent and potential are there. With unity, support and the right environment, this generation can achieve great things for Ghana,” he added.
Queiroz concluded his farewell message by thanking Ghanaian football fans for their unwavering support and expressing confidence in the future of the national team.
“To the Ghanaian people and all Black Stars supporters, thank you for your passion, support and warmth. I will always carry Ghana with me with respect and affection.
“Ghana comes first. The Black Stars come first. Ghanaian football comes first. Thank you, Ghana. To the Future.”
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
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