Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz demands VAR implementation after opener loss to Ivory Coast

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has called for the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers following the Black Stars’ 2-0 defeat by Côte d’Ivoire.

Ghana began their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a loss in Bouaké on Thursday, with Malick Yalcouyé putting the hosts ahead shortly before half-time at the Stade de Bouaké.

The reigning African champions doubled their advantage early in the second half after referee awarded a penalty when Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was judged to have fouled Yalcouyé inside the box.

Franck Kessié made no mistake from the spot to secure all three points for Côte d’Ivoire.

While Queiroz praised the performance of the hosts, the Ghana coach was critical of the officiating and questioned the absence of VAR during the qualifier.

“Nothing to do with Ivory Coast; they played very well, they played very well, all players played very well, congratulations, but I cannot give the congratulations to the referee,” Queiroz said.

The 73-year-old Portuguese coach questioned why VAR was not being used in a major African competition, arguing that the technology could help referees make key decisions more accurately.

“Why don’t we have VAR in Africa? What is the reason we don’t have VAR in one African Cup of Nations?” he asked.

Queiroz said the technology could help ensure greater fairness in matches, particularly during a qualification campaign for one of Africa’s biggest football tournaments.

“We don’t have VAR to help the referee to make the game fair,” he added.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid assistant coach also referred to his personal connection with Africa as he expressed his frustration with what he described as recurring refereeing problems on the continent.

“I was born in Mozambique, I grew up here, I’m tired of these situations, of these referees that don’t do a good job,” he said.

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point after their opening Group C fixture, while Côte d’Ivoire move to the top of the group with three points.

The Black Stars will look to bounce back when they host Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on 29 September.