Black Stars: George Afriyie backs Carlos Queiroz after GFA confirms reappointment

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) vice-president George Afriyie says it is time for the country to rally behind Carlos Queiroz despite maintaining his reservations about the Portuguese coach's appointment as Black Stars head coach.

The GFA has confirmed the reappointment of Queiroz ahead of Ghana's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign later this month, following his four-month stint in charge during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Queiroz, 73, was brought in on a short-term contract in April after Otto Addo was dismissed following Ghana's disappointing international results earlier this year.

The veteran coach guided the Black Stars to the knockout stage of the World Cup in North America, marking the first time Ghana had progressed beyond the group phase since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Despite that achievement, Afriyie remains unconvinced that Queiroz is the ideal long-term choice for the four-time African champions.

Before the Portuguese tactician's initial appointment, the former GFA official publicly questioned both his suitability and motivation, expressing concerns about his age and tactical philosophy.

"Before they appointed him [Carlos Queiroz], I always made my position clear that he is not my preferred coach and my reasons are simple," Afriyie told Graphic Sports.

But with Queiroz now reappointed for the qualifying campaign, Mr Afriyie believes the debate over whether he should have the job has run its course.

“I don’t see how a 73- or 74-year-old can do it in six months; I don’t see his motivation to take Ghana to any place.”

Afriyie has also previously argued that Queiroz's preference for a disciplined and defensively organised style of play does not align with Ghana's traditional attacking identity.

However, with the GFA having now handed the Portuguese coach another opportunity to lead the national team, Afriyie believes attention should shift from the debate over the appointment to supporting the team in its quest for qualification.

Queiroz's first assignment following his reappointment will be a difficult trip to Côte d'Ivoire, where Ghana face the reigning African champions at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

The Black Stars will then return home to host The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

Somalia complete Group C, with only the group winners guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Having failed to qualify for the previous AFCON tournament in Morocco, Ghana will be determined to avoid another setback and secure an immediate return to Africa's biggest football competition.

The qualifying campaign is also expected to provide a clearer indication of whether Queiroz can build on his encouraging World Cup run and convince sceptics that he remains the right man to lead the Black Stars forward.