AFCON 2027: Carlos Queiroz aims to end Ghana's 44-year wait

Ghana want to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after their absence from the 2025 edition. Back on the Black Stars bench, Carlos Queiroz has a clear ambition: qualify the team for AFCON 2027 and try to end a wait that dates back to their 1982 triumph.

The Portuguese coach does not want to view this long period without a title merely as a statistic. He is asking his team to examine the reasons behind the lack of success over the past 44 years. In his view, Ghana must address the issue directly and seek the answers needed to return to the heights of African football.

“Why have we not won the Africa Cup of Nations for 44 years? That is the question we must answer in an honest, professional and competitive manner,” Carlos Queiroz said.

The coach believes this reflection should enable the Black Stars to rebuild their ambition. He makes no secret of his desire to see Ghana reach an AFCON final at the next edition in which they participate.

“We must find the solutions to rebuild this dream and make it a reality,” he added.

Queiroz targets a final

Carlos Queiroz has also set a precise objective for his second spell in charge of the Ghana national team. The Portuguese coach hopes to lead the Black Stars to the AFCON 2027 final.

“I hope this dream will be postponed by one year and that we will be able to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final. I really hope so. It is my dream,” he said.

Before thinking about the tournament's final match, Ghana will first have to regain its place among the continent's top national teams. The Black Stars missed AFCON 2025 in Morocco after failing in the qualifiers. This return to the continental stage is therefore one of the first priorities of the new cycle.

Read also: AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz calls for total focus from the Black Stars

A first meeting against Côte d’Ivoire

The AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign begins with a particularly anticipated away trip. Ghana will face Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

The Black Stars will then host Gambia three days later. These two matches should allow Queiroz to launch his project and quickly assess his team's capabilities in this new campaign.

The Portuguese coach therefore knows that the road to a final will first go through qualification. For a Ghana side that has not lifted the AFCON trophy since 1982, every step now counts in the attempt to reconnect with a title that has eluded the Black Stars for more than four decades.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations