AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz points to injuries and inexperience after Ghana collapse against Gambia

Carlos Queiroz has pointed to injuries and a lack of experience within his squad as factors behind Ghana’s disappointing start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars suffered their second consecutive defeat on Tuesday, losing 4-2 to Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium after throwing away a two-goal advantage.

Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan gave Ghana a 2-0 lead before Gambia mounted a comeback, scoring four unanswered goals to leave the hosts without a point from their opening two Group C matches.

Queiroz said injuries to several established players have forced him to rely on less experienced members of the squad.

“When you have injured players and, all of a sudden, the player with more minutes in the Ghana national team, Nathaniel, becomes injured. Jordan becomes injured. Mohammed was also not playing. Marvin was not injured,” he said.

“So you have to call the players that you trust.”

The Portuguese coach also acknowledged that several newcomers are still adapting to the demands of international football, particularly the psychological pressure associated with representing Ghana.

“I think, first of all, we had so many players that are first-timers in the team,” he said.

Queiroz added that understanding the responsibility of wearing the Ghana shirt takes time and cannot be developed overnight.

Ghana’s immediate task is to rebuild before their next qualifier against Somalia in November.