AFCON 2027Q:‘Qualifying for one or two tournaments is not a sign of success’ – Carlos Queiroz

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says he was “not happy” with Ghana’s defeat to Côte d’Ivoire but remains proud of his players for trying to win the game. Ghana opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké, with Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié scoring for the hosts. “Just like the fans, I was not happy that Ghana lost to Côte d’Ivoire but I’m proud that we tried to win the game,” Queiroz said.

The Portuguese coach believes the Black Stars showed the right attitude despite failing to get a result in his first competitive game since returning for a second spell. Ghana must now quickly regroup as they prepare to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday. Queiroz has stressed the importance of focusing on the next game as he begins the process of rebuilding the Black Stars.

The defeat in Bouaké leaves Ghana without a point after the opening round of Group C matches, making a positive response against The Gambia important to their qualifying campaign. Ghana missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and are now seeking a return to the continental tournament in 2027. Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz says Ghana must aim for sustained success rather than viewing qualification for one or two major tournaments as an achievement.

Queiroz believes the Black Stars need to build a team capable of consistently qualifying for major competitions and competing for honours over an extended period. The Portuguese coach says the most successful national teams have maintained that level of consistency by building on each achievement. “Qualifying for one or two tournaments is not a sign of success.

The most successful teams don’t also win just one tournament here and there. They win one, go on and win two, three, four and so on,” Queiroz said. His comments come as Ghana begin another attempt to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

The Black Stars opened their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké. Ghana will host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, with Queiroz looking to get the campaign back on track. The coach has also spoken about his long-term vision for the Black Stars, including building a team capable of qualifying for and competing at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.