The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has parted ways with Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz following the team’s disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The decision was reached after discussions between the GFA and the Portuguese coach, with both parties agreeing to mutually terminate his contract.
Queiroz’s departure was announced on Thursday, October 1, 2026, shortly after Ghana suffered back-to-back defeats in their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifying matches.
Also read: Wicknell Chivayo: Zimbabwean businessman and wife killed in helicopter crash
The Black Stars lost to Côte d’Ivoire in their opening Group C fixture before suffering a 4–2 defeat to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana had taken a 2–0 lead against The Gambia through Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan but conceded four goals as the visitors completed a comeback.
The result left Ghana at the bottom of Group C with no points from their opening two matches.
In a statement announcing the end of his tenure, Queiroz said the decision followed discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect.
“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,” he said.
Queiroz said the decision was difficult but that both sides agreed ending their professional relationship was the appropriate course of action under the circumstances.
He thanked the GFA, its president, his technical staff, the players and Ghanaian supporters for their support during his time with the national team.
The Portuguese coach also urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the Black Stars players, stressing that the team has talent and potential.
“Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them,” Queiroz said.
He added that with unity, support and the right environment, the current generation of Black Stars players could achieve significant things for Ghana.
The decision comes less than 48 hours after Queiroz took responsibility for Ghana’s 4–2 defeat to The Gambia and apologised to supporters.
After the match, he said he and his technical team were deeply disappointed by the result and asked fans to continue supporting the players.
Queiroz had also said that criticism over the defeat should be directed at him as coach rather than the players.
The GFA had only recently reappointed Queiroz for a new coaching mandate after his previous assignment, which included the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ended. The association announced his new mandate on September 2, 2026.
His latest tenure, however, has ended after just two AFCON qualifying matches.
In his farewell message, Queiroz ended by expressing his continued affection for Ghana and the Black Stars.
“Ghana comes first. The Black Stars come first. Ghanaian football comes first,” he said.
“Thank you, Ghana. To the Future.”