Ghana in Crisis: Queiroz Leaves After Two AFCON Qualifying Defeats
Ghana's AFCON 2027 campaign has started in the worst possible way. The Black Stars lost 2-0 away to Ivory Coast and then 4-2 at home to The Gambia, and coach Carlos Queiroz has now left the job. The Ghana Football Association said both sides agreed to end his contract.
The Gambia collapse in Accra
Ghana led 2-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium after 33 minutes, thanks to goals from Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan. The Gambia then scored four times without reply. Muhammed Badamosi scored from the penalty spot, Omar Colley added another, and substitute Ebrima Colley scored twice.
Angry home fans threw bottles onto the pitch in the closing stages. For a country with such a proud football history, it was a painful scene. The result left Ghana bottom of Group C with no points.
Queiroz's short second spell
Queiroz had only been reappointed on 2 September, about a month before he left. In seven matches, his record was one win, two draws and four defeats, with five goals scored and ten conceded. In his parting message, he said the necessary conditions were not fully established.
The GFA had not named a successor in the reports available at the time of writing. Ghanaian supporters are tired of changes at the top, and they want stability above everything else. Whoever comes in will have very little time before the next window.
What it means for qualification
Only the top two teams in each four-team group qualify, and Ghana are six points behind both Ivory Coast and The Gambia. That means the Black Stars can hardly afford another slip. A recovery is still possible, but it needs a quick appointment and a strong run in the November window.
Ghana have produced talented players in Europe for many years, and the quality is not in question. The question is whether the team can find a settled structure around that talent. Fans will be watching the next coaching decision very closely.
A word for Ghanaian bettors
If you follow Ghana's qualifiers, use only operators licensed in Ghana and read the market rules before you bet. Results like the Gambia game show how quickly a two-goal lead can disappear. Check the live operator card on Betradar Africa for current offers, and remember that no offer is fixed.
**Responsible gambling (18+):** Bet only what you can afford to lose, and only if you are 18 or older. Betting is entertainment, not a way to earn a living or fix money problems. If it stops being fun, set a limit, take a break, or speak to a support service in your country.