Carlos Queiroz’s immediate priority with the Black Stars is to secure Ghana’s qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has revealed.
The 73-year-old Portuguese coach recently signed an extension to his contract after leading the Ghana national football team to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Queiroz was initially appointed on a four-month contract in March following the departure of former Black Stars coach Otto Addo. His original mandate was primarily focused on Ghana’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Following the team’s World Cup campaign, the GFA decided to extend Queiroz’s contract, with the coach now expected to oversee Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.
Speaking to Asempa FM, Henry Asante Twum said qualifying for the continental tournament remains the immediate objective for the Portuguese tactician.
He explained that discussions were held with Queiroz before the decision was taken to extend his contract, with both parties aware of the importance of returning Ghana to the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to Asante Twum, Ghana cannot afford another absence from the prestigious continental competition after failing to qualify for the previous tournament.
Ghana Drawn in Group C for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
Ghana has been placed in Group C of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, alongside West African rivals Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, as well as Somalia.
The Black Stars will open their qualifying campaign with a difficult away fixture against Côte d’Ivoire on September 24, 2026.
The match will be played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, where Ghana will be hoping to make a strong start to its qualification campaign.
Three days later, Ghana will return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The two opening matches are expected to be crucial to Ghana’s hopes of securing a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana Determined to Return to AFCON
Ghana missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco after failing to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2004.
The absence marked a disappointing period for the Black Stars, who have traditionally been regular participants at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Carlos Queiroz will therefore be under pressure to ensure Ghana returns to the continental showpiece in 2027.
His experience at international level and the Black Stars’ recent World Cup knockout-stage appearance are expected to provide a foundation for the next phase of the team’s development.
The Portuguese coach will now turn his attention to building a competitive Black Stars squad capable of navigating the AFCON qualifiers successfully.
Queiroz Faces Major Challenge With Black Stars
The extension of Queiroz’s contract gives the experienced coach an opportunity to continue shaping the Black Stars after their participation in the 2026 World Cup.
However, securing Ghana’s qualification for AFCON 2027 will be one of his most immediate tests.
With Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia standing in Ghana’s way, the Black Stars will need consistent performances and positive results throughout the qualifying campaign.
For Ghanaian football supporters, a return to the Africa Cup of Nations will be a major objective after the disappointment of missing the 2025 tournament.
Queiroz is now expected to use his experience to guide Ghana through the qualification process and restore the Black Stars to the continental stage in 2027.
Source: newsthemegh.com