Carlos Queiroz has left his position as head coach of Ghana’s Black Stars after the team’s 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed that it had mutually agreed with Queiroz to terminate his contract following discussions between both parties.

The decision brings a swift end to the Portuguese coach’s second spell in charge of Ghana, which began in September and lasted just two AFCON qualifying matches.

Key Takeaways

• Carlos Queiroz has left his position as Ghana head coach.
• The GFA said it and Queiroz mutually agreed to terminate his contract.
• His departure follows Ghana’s 4-2 loss to The Gambia in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
• Ghana had also lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast in the preceding qualifier.
• The two defeats left Queiroz with two losses from two AFCON qualifying matches during his latest spell.
• Queiroz had returned to the Black Stars after previously resigning following Ghana’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• The GFA said it will announce the next technical arrangements and leadership plans for the national team in due course.

Ghana and Carlos Queiroz Agree to End His Contract

The Ghana Football Association confirmed the coaching change after discussions with Queiroz, describing the decision as a mutual agreement reached in the interests of Ghana and the Black Stars.

The federation said both parties concluded that ending their professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action under the circumstances.

The move means Ghana will now begin the search for its next leadership arrangement while its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign continues.

The Black Stars’ Recent Results Put the Departure in Context

Queiroz’s departure came after Ghana suffered back-to-back defeats in their AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars first fell to a 2-0 defeat against Ivory Coast before suffering a heavier setback against The Gambia.

Ghana conceded four goals in the 4-2 home loss, meaning the team allowed six goals across the two qualifying matches managed by Queiroz during his latest spell.

Those results brought his second stint in charge to an abrupt conclusion.

Queiroz’s Second Spell Ends After Only Two AFCON Qualifiers

Queiroz returned to the Ghana job in September after previously stepping down from the position following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His latest appointment came after Otto Addo was sacked, with Queiroz initially taking charge in April ahead of the World Cup.

During that first period, he guided Ghana to the last 32 of the tournament before resigning following the team’s elimination by Colombia.

Queiroz later reversed his decision and signed a new contract on September 2.

His return, however, lasted only two competitive matches.

Ghana’s defeats to Ivory Coast and The Gambia left the Portuguese coach with a record of two losses from two AFCON qualifying fixtures before the latest decision to end his contract.

How Queiroz Returned to the Black Stars

Queiroz’s relationship with the Ghana national team has therefore taken another unexpected turn within the same year.

After succeeding Otto Addo, he took responsibility for Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup and subsequently led the Black Stars at the tournament.

Following Ghana’s elimination by Colombia, Queiroz initially decided to leave his position.

That decision was later reversed, with the coach agreeing a new contract with the GFA on September 2.

The renewed partnership lasted only a short period, however, as Ghana’s qualifying campaign began with consecutive defeats.

What the GFA Said About Queiroz’s Departure

In its announcement, the Ghana Football Association thanked Queiroz for his work with the Black Stars and acknowledged the contribution of his technical staff.

The federation said:

“The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Carlos Queiroz have mutually agreed to terminate the Service Agreement governing his role as Head Coach of the Black Stars, following discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect.”

The GFA added that the decision was reached with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football in mind.

The association also thanked Queiroz for his commitment and professionalism during his time with the national team.

It further acknowledged the efforts of his technical staff and their contribution to the Black Stars project.

What Happens Next for the Black Stars?

The immediate focus now shifts to Ghana’s next coaching arrangement.

The GFA did not name a replacement for Queiroz in the announcement provided. Instead, the federation said it would announce its detailed technical arrangements and next steps regarding the leadership of the Black Stars in due course.

That leaves Ghana facing another coaching transition while its preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Carlos Queiroz leave Ghana?

The Ghana Football Association said it and Queiroz mutually agreed to terminate his contract following discussions between both parties. The decision came after Ghana’s consecutive qualifying defeats to Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

Was Carlos Queiroz sacked by Ghana?

The GFA described the departure as a mutual agreement to terminate the contract, rather than announcing it as a dismissal.

How many AFCON qualifiers did Queiroz manage in his second spell?

Queiroz managed two AFCON qualifying matches during his latest spell. Ghana lost both games.

What was Ghana’s result against The Gambia?

Ghana suffered a 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Did Ghana also lose to Ivory Coast?

Yes. Ghana lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast before the 4-2 defeat to The Gambia.

When did Carlos Queiroz return as Ghana coach?

Queiroz returned to the Black Stars in April after Otto Addo was sacked. He later signed a new contract on September 2 after initially resigning following the 2026 World Cup.

Who will replace Carlos Queiroz?

The supplied announcement does not identify Queiroz’s successor. The GFA said it would announce the next technical arrangements and leadership plans for the Black Stars in due course.

Ghana Faces Another Coaching Transition

Carlos Queiroz’s second spell as Ghana head coach has ended after just two AFCON qualifying matches and consecutive defeats to Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

With the GFA now preparing to announce its next technical arrangements, the Black Stars face another change in leadership as their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign moves forward.