Carlos Queiroz Sacked as Black Stars Coach.

Ghana parts ways with the Portuguese coach for a second time following consecutive defeats in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Carlos Queiroz has parted ways with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the second time in just a few months, bringing his latest spell as head coach of the Black Stars to an abrupt end.

The GFA and the 73-year-old Portuguese coach have mutually agreed to terminate his contract following Ghana’s disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

The decision comes just weeks after Queiroz was reappointed on September 2, 2026, following his initial departure after Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The GFA had cited his international experience, technical expertise and familiarity with the Black Stars as reasons for bringing him back.

Two defeats in two AFCON qualifiers

Queiroz’s second stint began with a 2–0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Ghana’s opening Group C qualifier on September 24.

The Black Stars then suffered another setback on home soil, losing 4–2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 29 after taking a 2–0 lead.

Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan gave Ghana a strong start, but The Gambia fought back with four goals to complete a dramatic comeback.

The defeat extended Ghana’s difficult run and intensified calls for changes within the national team setup.

Queiroz had defended his position

Following the defeat to The Gambia, Queiroz accepted responsibility for the result but rejected the suggestion that his resignation would solve the wider problems affecting Ghana football.

He said the decision over his future was ultimately in the hands of the GFA.

Queiroz also pointed to an injury crisis within the squad, saying Ghana was without 24 players from the national team pool. He maintained that the Black Stars needed broader solutions rather than simply changing coaches.

However, less than 48 hours later, the GFA and the coach agreed to end their working relationship.

A second departure in 2026

Queiroz’s latest exit comes after a turbulent year for the Black Stars.

He was originally appointed in April 2026 to replace Otto Addo and lead Ghana into the FIFA World Cup. Ghana reached the Round of 32 before losing 1–0 to Colombia.

Queiroz subsequently stepped down following the World Cup, but the GFA brought him back in September for the next phase of the national team’s programme.

His return, however, lasted only one international window.

What next for the Black Stars?

Ghana now faces another coaching transition as the team attempts to revive its 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.

The Black Stars have lost their opening two Group C matches and will need to recover in their remaining fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The GFA is yet to announce who will take temporary or permanent charge of the national team following Queiroz’s departure.

The latest development marks another significant change in the Black Stars’ technical leadership in a year that has already seen Ghana change coaches twice.