Carlos Queiroz’s brief tenure as head coach of the Black Stars has come to an end, with the Portuguese coach and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) agreeing to part ways by mutual consent.

The decision comes just two days after Ghana suffered a dramatic 4-2 home defeat to The Gambia in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The GFA confirmed Queiroz’s departure in a statement issued by its Communications Department on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The association said the decision followed discussions with the 73-year-old coach and was reached “in a spirit of mutual respect”.

Although the GFA described the decision as “not an easy decision”, it said both sides agreed that ending the service agreement was the most appropriate course of action “under the present circumstances”.

Queiroz, according to the statement, recognised that the interests of Ghana and Ghanaian football had to remain the priority.

He also acknowledged the impact of the team’s recent results on the decision to end his time with the Black Stars.

“Despite our efforts, the necessary conditions were not fully established, and our recent performance added to the decision to bring this journey to an end,” Queiroz said.

The former Portugal coach said he had arrived in Ghana with the intention of helping build a stronger future for the national team and supporting the development of local talent.

“I came to Ghana determined to help build a stronger future for the Black Stars and support the development of the country’s talent,” he said.

Two defeats, six goals conceded

Queiroz leaves after Ghana made a difficult start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Black Stars appeared to be on course for a positive result against The Gambia after taking a 2-0 lead at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday.

However, Ghana conceded four goals to suffer a 4-2 defeat and extend their losing run in Group C to two matches.

The Black Stars had opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire.

The back-to-back losses leave Ghana without a point from their opening two matches and at the bottom of Group C. They have also conceded six goals while scoring only two.

After the defeat to The Gambia, Queiroz apologised to supporters and pointed to the absence of several players and changes to the squad between the two matches as factors that affected the team.

His departure now brings an early end to his latest assignment with the Black Stars.

From World Cup to AFCON exit

Queiroz was appointed in April as a short-term replacement for Otto Addo.

His original four-month contract was designed to cover Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Black Stars advanced to the Round of 32 at the tournament but were eliminated following a 1-0 defeat to Colombia.

Following the World Cup, uncertainty surrounded Queiroz’s future. The GFA, however, later reached an agreement with him to continue in charge for the next phase of the national team’s programme.

That arrangement included the September international window and Ghana’s opening AFCON qualifiers.

Queiroz subsequently oversaw defeats against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia before his departure was confirmed.

What next for the Black Stars?

The GFA now faces the task of finding a new coach as Ghana attempt to revive their AFCON qualification campaign.

Ghana are in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia and are seeking a return to the continental tournament after missing the previous edition in Morocco.

With the next qualifying window approaching, the GFA is yet to announce whether an interim coach will take charge or when a permanent replacement for Queiroz will be appointed.

In his farewell message, Queiroz thanked the GFA President, his technical staff and the players for their support during his time in charge.

He also appealed to Ghanaians to continue believing in the national team’s players and urged supporters to protect them.

“Believe in these players” and “protect them”, he said.

Queiroz concluded his message with a statement reaffirming his commitment to Ghanaian football:

“Ghana comes first. The Black Stars come first. Ghanaian football comes first.”