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GFA Launches Urgent Search for Black Stars Coach Following Carlos Queiroz’s Exit Over Infrastructure and Performance Crisis

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has initiated an urgent search for a new head coach for the Black Stars following the departure of Carlos Queiroz. The 73-year-old manager and the GFA mutually agreed to part ways on October 1, 2026, after a dismal start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. With consecutive losses to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, Ghana currently sits at the bottom of Group C with no points, prompting immediate action to salvage the qualification campaign ahead of upcoming fixtures against Somalia. Beyond the poor results on the pitch, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum revealed that Queiroz was deeply frustrated by the country's inadequate football infrastructure. The veteran coach was reportedly shocked to discover that the national team lacked a dedicated training base, forcing them to train at the same stadiums used for competitive matches. This lack of facilities, combined with the fact that Ghana only has one CAF-approved stadium for international fixtures, significantly hampered team preparation and contributed to the breakdown in the relationship between the coach and the association. To find a successor, the GFA and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation have established a five-member search committee. Chaired by former GFA Vice President Fred Pappoe, the panel includes former national team captain Stephen Appiah and FIFA specialist Faisal Chibsah. However, the committee's formation has not been without setbacks, as former defender Anthony Baffoe declined an invitation to participate. The committee is tasked with providing recommendations for a new appointment by October 9, as the GFA looks to restore stability to the senior national team. Speculation regarding the new appointment is growing, with both local and international names linked to the role. Emerging candidates include AFCON-winning managers Emerse Faé of Côte d'Ivoire and Pape Thiaw of Senegal, alongside local figures such as Kwesi Appiah, Laryea Kingston, and Desmond Offei. Former Dreams FC coach Ignatius Osei Fosu has publicly urged the GFA to prioritize a leader who can inspire the current crop of talent, including stars like Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, arguing that leadership and motivation are currently more critical than tactical adjustments. As the GFA moves forward, analysts warn that simply appointing a new coach may not solve deeper systemic issues. There is a growing consensus that the decline of the Black Stars is linked to a lack of investment in robust youth development programs, which previously served as a pipeline for the national team's golden era. Without significant reformation of the footballing framework and facilities, the new coach will face the same challenges that have plagued recent managerial tenures. The immediate focus, however, remains securing a win against Somalia to keep the 2027 AFCON dream alive.