Why Ghana has cancelled proposed friendly game against Morocco

Ghana have cancelled their proposed international friendly against Morocco scheduled for 4 October in Tangier, after withdrawing from the fixture following a difficult start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars were due to face the Atlas Lions during the October international window as part of their preparations for upcoming competitions.

However, following a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast in their opening Group C qualifier, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) informed the Royal Moroccan Football Federation of its decision to withdraw from the match.

The decision was taken before Ghana’s second qualifier against The Gambia, which ended in another defeat as the Black Stars surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Why Ghana withdrew

The GFA said the Black Stars’ technical team was unable to assemble the squad it wanted for the Morocco fixture because of a number of player withdrawals.

Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu, Mohammed Kudus and Nathaniel Adjei were among those unavailable.

The GFA also informed the Moroccan federation that outstanding winning bonuses were owed to the players and that it did not want to take on additional financial commitments while dealing with a depleted squad.

In a statement, the GFA said the decision to cancel the fixture followed consultations between the two federations.

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) wishes to inform the general public that the international friendly between Ghana and Morocco has been called off,” the association said.

“The decision was reached following consultations between both Federations.

“The GFA sincerely apologizes to all stakeholders, fans and media partners for any inconvenience the cancellation may cause.”

The association added that it would announce new arrangements for the Black Stars as part of preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The cancellation means Ghana will play only two matches during the current international window, despite initially having the opportunity to play four games.

The GFA had also previously expressed reservations about a proposed friendly against Tanzania.

Morocco arrange Mali friendly

Ghana’s withdrawal reportedly disappointed the Moroccan Football Federation, which had already announced the fixture and put tickets on sale.

Morocco had planned to use the match as preparation for their upcoming assignments, but have now arranged a friendly against Mali on 4 October instead.

GFA and Queiroz part ways

The cancellation comes on the same day the GFA confirmed that it had mutually agreed to part ways with Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz.

The Portuguese coach was appointed earlier this year to lead Ghana through preparations for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

The GFA said the decision was taken in the “best interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football”.

It thanked Queiroz and his technical staff for their commitment and said further announcements about the leadership of the national team would be made in due course.

Queiroz also confirmed the termination of his contract, saying both parties agreed that ending their professional relationship was the appropriate decision under the circumstances.

The former Real Madrid and Portugal coach said the “necessary conditions were not fully established” and that the team’s recent performances had contributed to the decision.

He also urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the players.

“Believe in these players. Protect them. Support them,” Queiroz said.

“The talent and potential are there. With unity, support and the right environment, this generation can achieve great things for Ghana.”

Queiroz leaves after seven matches in charge, with one win, two draws and four defeats.

Ghana bottom of Group C

Ghana’s defeat by The Gambia leaves them bottom of Group C in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers without a point from their opening two matches.

The Black Stars began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Ivory Coast before losing 4-2 to The Gambia in Accra.

Ghana will return to qualifying action in November when they face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium.