Ghana Coach Queiroz Leaves After Heavy Loss

Carlos Queiroz has stepped down as Ghana's coach after a tough loss to Gambia worsened the Black Stars' current troubles.

The Ghana Football Association announced on Thursday that they agreed with the experienced Portuguese coach to end his contract. This comes just a month after they brought him back for a new term.

“This was not an easy decision, but both parties agreed that, under the present circumstances, ending our professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action, with the interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football above everything else,” Queiroz said in a farewell message shared on the association's website.

He also mentioned that “the necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end.”

The decision followed Ghana's 4-2 defeat at home to Gambia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. This loss was especially painful as the four-time African champions gave up a 2-0 lead at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan had put Ghana ahead, but Gambia struck back four times to complete a stunning comeback. Ghana had already lost 2-0 away to Ivory Coast and now sits at the bottom of Group C with no points after two matches.

Queiroz leaves with a disappointing record of one win, two draws, and four losses in seven matches. Ghana managed to score five goals but conceded ten during this period.

His exit marks the end of a rocky five-month period that began in April when the 73-year-old signed a four-month contract to lead Ghana to the 2026 World Cup.

Queiroz took Ghana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010, after winning against Panama and drawing with England.

Colombia knocked out the Black Stars with a 1-0 defeat in the Round of 32.

His initial term ended after the tournament, but the GFA brought him back on September 2.

Queiroz's departure now leaves the GFA looking for stability again at a tough time. Ghana is six points behind Ivory Coast and Gambia after just two matches. With only the top two teams from each group qualifying, the Black Stars already face a tough road to avoid missing a second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations.