Black Stars: Carlos Queiroz given AFCON qualification task by GFA after 2025 absence

Carlos Queiroz’s immediate task is to guide Ghana back to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director Henry Asante Twum.

The 73-year-old Portuguese coach has been handed a contract extension after leading the Black Stars to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup in North America – their first appearance in the last 16 since 2010.

Queiroz initially signed a four-month contract after Otto Addo was dismissed in March, with the deal covering Ghana’s World Cup campaign.

Following the team’s World Cup progress, the GFA has opted to extend his stay, with qualification for the 2027 AFCON identified as his immediate priority.

“We had discussions before we concluded extending Carlos Queiroz's contract, but the task is to guide the Black Stars back to the AFCON next year,” Asante Twum told Asempa FM.

“We were not there last year, and we cannot afford to miss out this time around.”

Ghana missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco after a disappointing qualifying campaign, finishing bottom of their group without a win.

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group C for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside West African rivals Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia.

Ghana will begin their campaign away against Côte d’Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

They will then return home to face The Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

Queiroz will be expected to secure a strong start to the qualifiers as Ghana seek to return to the continent’s premier international tournament.