Ghana seek new coach after opening AFCON qualifying defeats
Ghana are searching for Carlos Queiroz’s successor after losing their first two 2027 AFCON qualifiers. An interim technical team will oversee November’s matches against Somalia, while Sports Minister Kofi Adams remains confident the Black Stars can qualify.
ghanasoccernet.comKofi Adams admits Black Stars' defeat by Gambia was difficult to watch
myjoyonline.comAFCON 2027Q: ‘We should assemble the best squad’ – George Afriyie speaks on Black Stars’ team
Coaching search continues
Applications for the Black Stars head coach position close on October 15, following an extension agreed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. Carlos Queiroz left by mutual agreement after Ghana lost their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
A search committee chaired by former GFA vice-president Fred Pappoe is expected to assess applications and conduct interviews during October and November before recommending a replacement. The GFA says an interim technical team will oversee November’s fixtures against Somalia.
Former GFA communications director Ibrahim Sannie Daara said more than 400 coaches had applied. That figure was his account of the interest in the vacancy.
Somalia fixtures offer recovery chance
Ghana are bottom of Group C without a point after losing 2-0 to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké and 4-2 to The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Against The Gambia, the Black Stars surrendered a two-goal lead.
Four qualifying matches remain, including November’s double-header against Somalia. Both Somalia fixtures are scheduled for the Accra Sports Stadium on November 11 and 14.
3News reports that Black Queens coach Kim Lars Björkegren is set to lead the interim team, with Ibrahim Tanko and Godwin Attram, but Ghana Soccernet’s earlier report said the GFA had not officially confirmed that arrangement.
Minister wants greater local presence
Sports Minister Kofi Adams said the next coach should spend more time in Ghana, monitor domestic football and make trips to Europe to scout players abroad. He said the government had raised those expectations with the GFA.
“You can’t have a national team coach who visits the country only when the team is coming to play a competition,” Adams told Citi FM.
Calls for stronger selection
Adams described the defeat by The Gambia as difficult to watch but said he remained convinced Ghana would qualify. The Black Stars missed the 2025 AFCON and are seeking a return to the tournament.
Former GFA vice-president George Afriyie urged Ghana to assemble their strongest available squad, saying qualification remained possible. Former international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu also expressed optimism and called for opportunities for players performing well in the domestic league.
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