GFA Defends Carlos Queiroz’s Results-Driven Approach Ahead of Crucial 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has thrown its full support behind Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz as he prepares to announce his squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Following a contract extension granted after Ghana’s Round of 32 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 73-year-old tactician is finalizing his roster for a critical qualification series in Group C. The GFA’s endorsement comes amid public debate over the team's tactical identity, with Communications Director Henry Asante Twum asserting that match outcomes must take precedence over the aesthetics of play. Twum emphasized that while attractive football is desirable, tangible success and winning are what define a coach's legacy, stating, "People will remember you for your result and not your style."

The pressure on Queiroz and the GFA is amplified by the Black Stars' recent failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, which marked the nation's first absence from the continental tournament since 2004. Having finished at the bottom of their group in the previous cycle, the GFA has made it clear that missing a second consecutive tournament is not an option. Ghana has been drawn into a challenging Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Somalia. The qualifying campaign is set to begin in late September, with a high-stakes opening match against Côte d’Ivoire on September 24, followed by a encounter with The Gambia on September 27.

As the squad announcement looms, local interest has spiked following impressive performances in the Ghana Premier League. Hearts of Oak striker John Antwi has publicly expressed his desire for a national team recall after scoring a brace in a recent 4-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea. Antwi, who debuted for the Black Stars in 2017, believes his current form warrants a place in Queiroz's plans. Meanwhile, Ghana's opponents are already making moves; Gambia’s head coach Jonathan McKinstry has released a preliminary squad ahead of their trip to the Accra Sports Stadium, signaling an intense start to the qualifying round.

With the squad selection expected shortly, the GFA remains focused on the logistical finalization of Queiroz’s return to Ghana to oversee the final stages of preparation. The association maintains that the coach's experience, which led the team out of the group stages at the recent World Cup before a narrow 1-0 loss to Colombia, is the right foundation for this rebuilding phase. As the Black Stars aim for redemption on the continent, the upcoming fixtures against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia will serve as the first major test of whether the GFA’s "results-over-style" philosophy can restore Ghana to its status as a powerhouse in African football.