‘Believe in these players’ – Carlos Queiroz tells Ghanaians after leaving Black Stars job

Former head coach of the Black Stars, Carlos Queiroz, has urged Ghanaians to back the players despite the recent poor results. The Portuguese trainer was relieved of his role as the gaffer of the side on Thursday, October 1, two days after Ghana’s 4-2 defeat to Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium. Despite a lacklustre performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Queiroz was hoping to get the team back on track, but the results from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers meant he came under more pressure, eventually deciding to leave the job.

In his official statement after parting ways with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the former Real Madrid manager asked Ghanaians to be behind the players and cheer them on. “The talent and potential are there. With unity, support and the right environment, this generation can achieve great things for Ghana.

“To the Ghanaian people and all Black Stars supporters, thank you for your passion, support and warmth. I will always carry Ghana with me with respect and affection.” Defeat to Gambia means the Black Stars have no points from their opening two games of the qualifiers, having also lost to Cote d’Ivoire in Bouake, and sit at the bottom of the group ahead of the next round of fixtures. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced the dismissal of Carlos Queiroz as head coach of the Black Stars.

The news comes following a meeting between the GFA and the Portuguese trainer after Ghana’s first two games of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with the two parties mutually agreeing to part way. Queiroz steered another poor start to AFCON qualifiers as Ghana suffered back-to-back defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and Gambia, leaving them bottom of the group. The departure of the coach was made official on Thursday, October 1, with Queiroz putting out an official statement.

“Following discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect, the Ghana Football Association and I have mutually agreed to terminate the Service Agreement governing my role as Head Coach of the Ghana National Team, the Black Stars,” the statement read. “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. “It has been an honour to serve Ghana and the Black Stars.

I sincerely thank the Ghana Football Association and particularly its President for their trust and for the opportunity to lead such a proud football nation. “I came to Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the Black Stars and support the development of the country’s talent. Despite our commitment and efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end.