Black Stars: Carlos Queiroz urges caution over Ghana's Afcon ambitions

Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has called on Ghanaians to temper expectations ahead of the team's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Ghana is seeking a return to the continental showpiece after failing to qualify for the 2025 finals in Morocco, ending a streak of appearances at the tournament.

The four-time African champions have also struggled in recent editions, suffering successive group-stage exits before missing out on qualification altogether.

Despite those setbacks, some supporters believe the Black Stars can soon challenge for a fifth Afcon title, but Queiroz says the team's immediate focus must be on securing a place at next year's tournament in East Africa.

"We must have ambition, but also humility," the Portuguese coach said.

"We know our recent history, and we cannot talk about winning AFCON when we have not yet qualified. We have to work, grow, compete and earn our destiny."

Queiroz, 73, guided Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and says the upcoming qualifiers form part of a longer-term project aimed at building a side capable of competing strongly at the 2030 World Cup.

"Hands on the present, eyes on the future," he said.

"The priority is very clear: absolute focus on AFCON qualification, with our eyes set on the 2030 World Cup.

"We have an immediate objective that demands our full concentration, but we also have a greater destination ahead of us. This is the moment to start building the team for 2030, a team truly capable of honouring Ghana's extraordinary World Cup legacy."

Ghana begin their qualifying campaign away to Côte d'Ivoire on 24 September before hosting Gambia at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.

The Black Stars will then face Morocco in an international friendly at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.