Queiroz Leaves Ghana Post After Gambia Defeat
Carlos Queiroz has vacated his position as head coach of Ghana's national team, the Ghana Football Association announced on Thursday, after a heavy defeat to Gambia intensified the Black Stars' ongoing difficulties.
The GFA said it reached a mutual agreement with the Portuguese coach to end his contract, just over a month after he was handed a fresh mandate.
In a farewell statement carried on the association's website, Queiroz described the choice as difficult but necessary. "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," he said.
He went on to say that "the necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end."
The exit comes on the back of Ghana's 4-2 home loss to Gambia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, a match in which the four-time continental champions let slip a two-goal advantage at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan had given Ghana a commanding position, but Gambia responded with four goals to seal an unexpected comeback. Ghana had earlier fallen 2-0 away to Ivory Coast, leaving them at the foot of Group C with no points from two fixtures.
Queiroz departs with an unimpressive record of one victory, two draws and four losses from seven games in charge, during which Ghana scored five goals and conceded 10.
His exit brings to a close a turbulent five-month spell that started in April, when the 73-year-old agreed a four-month deal with the aim of guiding Ghana to the 2026 World Cup.
Under Queiroz, Ghana reached the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time since 2010, following wins over Panama and a draw with England.
Colombia knocked the Black Stars out with a 1-0 win in the Round of 32.
His original contract ran out after that tournament, but the GFA brought him back on September 2.
Queiroz's departure means the GFA must once again look for stability at a challenging time.
With Ghana already six points adrift of Ivory Coast and Gambia after only two matches, and with just the top two teams from each four-team group advancing, the Black Stars confront a difficult task to avoid missing a second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations.
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