Carlos Queiroz leaves Ghana role by mutual agreement after Africa Cup of Nations qualifying defeats

Carlos Queiroz has left his position as Ghana manager by mutual agreement, just two days after the Black Stars suffered a 4-2 home defeat by Gambia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Ghana Football Association confirmed the decision in an official statement on Thursday, saying the agreement was reached after discussions held in an atmosphere of “mutual respect”.

The association said ending the contract had “not been an easy decision”, but that both parties considered it the most appropriate option “under the current circumstances”.

Queiroz said the interests of Ghana and Ghanaian football had been placed above everything else, while acknowledging that the team’s recent results had contributed to the decision to end his spell in charge.

“Despite our efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully in place, and our recent results also contributed to the decision to end this journey,” the Portuguese said.

Difficult start to qualifying

Ghana’s departure from the campaign’s early stages has left them bottom of Group C without a point after two matches.

They opened with a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast before losing 4-2 to Gambia, despite taking a two-goal lead in the second match. The results mean Ghana have conceded six goals in their first two qualifiers.

Queiroz apologised to supporters after the defeat by Gambia. He said the absence of several players and changes to the squad between the two matches had affected the team’s performance.

The 73-year-old took charge of Ghana in April, replacing Otto Addo, initially on a short-term four-month contract covering the team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Ghana reached the last 32 at the tournament before losing 1-0 to Colombia. Queiroz’s contract expired after the World Cup, but he later agreed a new deal with the Ghana Football Association to return for a second spell.

That agreement covered the September international window and the beginning of Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Queiroz led the side against Ivory Coast and Gambia, losing both matches.

Ghana to appoint new manager

Queiroz’s departure leaves Ghana without a permanent manager before their next qualifying fixtures.

The Black Stars are in Group C alongside Ivory Coast, Gambia and Somalia, and are aiming to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the previous edition, which was held in Morocco.

The Ghana Football Association has not said whether it will appoint an interim manager or announced when Queiroz’s permanent successor will be named.

In his farewell message, Queiroz thanked the association’s president, his coaching staff and the players for their support during his time with the national team.

He also urged Ghana’s supporters to “believe in these players” and “protect them”, ending with the words: “Ghana first. The Black Stars first. Ghanaian football first.”