2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz hails 'fantastic' Black Stars group ahead of Ivory Coast and Gambia games

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has praised the Black Stars squad and their team culture as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The 73-year-old Portuguese coach guided Ghana to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, marking the country's best performance at the tournament since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010.

With attention now turning to the AFCON qualifiers, Queiroz said the World Cup campaign helped him gain a deeper understanding of his players and strengthened his admiration for the squad.

"Very important. We worked intensively on the entire process we went through during the World Cup," Queiroz told the Ghana Football Association website.

"It was an experience that gave us a deep understanding of the players, their qualities and their character.

"We have a fantastic group and a fantastic national-team culture.

"I am a very proud coach to be part of this group."

Ghana will begin their qualifying campaign with a difficult away fixture against Côte d'Ivoire at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on 24 September.

The Black Stars will then return to the Accra Sports Stadium to face The Gambia on 27 September as Queiroz looks to make a strong start in Group C.

The international window will conclude with a friendly against Morocco at the Grand Stade de Tanger on 4 October.

The Black Stars are currently in camp in Accra as they prepare for the upcoming matches.