Ghana coaching search committee’s tenure extended through November, application deadline moved to October 15

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has extended the deadline for applications for the vacant Black Stars head coach position to October 15, 2026, as authorities seek to widen the pool of candidates for the job.

In a statement released on Friday, October 9, the GFA said the decision followed initial engagements and a preliminary review by the five-member Black Stars Coach Search Committee, which recommended a more structured recruitment process.

The extension gives interested candidates additional time to apply, while allowing the committee to conduct a comprehensive assessment before recommending a successor to Carlos Queiroz, who left the position on October 1 following a reported mutual agreement to terminate his contract.

The GFA said the recruitment exercise should go beyond selecting a coach based on qualifications, describing it as an opportunity to establish a stronger football identity, improve performance standards and create a sustainable foundation for future success.

Selection process to continue through November

The association said the committee intends to continue evaluating, interviewing and shortlisting candidates throughout October and November, with its final recommendation to be submitted afterwards.

The process will include background checks, consultations with football stakeholders and technical experts, and assessments of candidates’ technical abilities, leadership qualities, cultural understanding and high-performance standards.

According to the GFA, the objective is to identify the individual best suited to lead the Black Stars and shape the future direction of Ghanaian football.

The extended timeline represents a shift from the initial schedule, which required the committee to submit its recommendations by Friday, October 9.

Former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe chairs the committee, which also includes former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, former Ghana international and Professional Footballers Association of Ghana general secretary Anthony Baffoe, football administrator and legal practitioner Agbesi Dzakpasu, and high-performance specialist Faisal Chibsah.

The committee was established by the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation following Queiroz’s departure and growing concerns about the management and performance of Ghana’s national teams.

Sports Minister Kofi Adams announced its formation on October 3, following discussions between the ministry and the GFA on measures to rebuild confidence in Ghanaian football.

Interim team to oversee November fixtures

With Ghana scheduled to return to action during the November international window, the GFA confirmed that an interim technical team will be appointed to manage the Black Stars while the search for a permanent coach continues.

The temporary team will oversee preparations and management for the upcoming matches, maintain continuity in the national team programme, monitor and engage players, and facilitate a smooth transition when a permanent head coach is appointed.

The arrangement will allow the committee to complete its recruitment exercise without compromising the team’s immediate competitive responsibilities.

The Black Stars face mounting pressure after losing their opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Côte d’Ivoire before losing 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium, despite taking a two-goal lead.

Those results have left the four-time African champions without a point at the bottom of Group C, which also includes Somalia.

The poor start has intensified scrutiny of the national team’s direction, following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, their first absence from the tournament in more than two decades.

The next two qualifying matches are scheduled for November 9-17, when the Black Stars will seek to revive their campaign.

GFA calls for patience and support

The GFA said its leadership remained committed to a transparent and professional recruitment process that serves the long-term interests of Ghanaian football.

It urged supporters, former players, football stakeholders and the media to exercise patience and engage constructively as the search continues.

The association said appointing a new head coach was also an opportunity to strengthen the structures, culture and working environment needed to achieve sustained success at continental and global levels.

The identity of the next Black Stars coach remains uncertain as the committee prepares to assess applicants over the coming weeks.