2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz takes responsibility after Ghana throw away 2-0 lead against Gambia

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has taken full responsibility for the Black Stars' shock 4-2 defeat by The Gambia and apologised to supporters after his side surrendered a two-goal lead in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Black Stars appeared firmly in control at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday after first-half goals from Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan put the hosts 2-0 ahead.

However, The Gambia responded with two quick goals before half-time, completing a remarkable comeback to leave Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches.

Queiroz described the defeat as a "terrible result" and said he, his coaching staff and the players were deeply disappointed by the outcome.

"There is not much to say today after the terrible result for us. I, the staff, all the players, we are deeply sad with the result. And we have to say sorry to our fans, to our supporters, for what happened in the stadium," he said.

The Portuguese coach said the two goals conceded before the interval affected the team's confidence and changed the direction of the game.

Queiroz was adamant that criticism should be directed at him rather than the players, urging supporters to continue backing the squad.

"If there is one person who takes the responsibility of the result, it's me. If you want to blame and criticise, which is correct and right, you can question me as a coach. Please keep supporting your players," he said.

The defeat has increased pressure on Queiroz, with calls for him to resign growing after Ghana suffered consecutive defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

But the 73-year-old said stepping down would be an easy response but would not address what he believes are the wider problems affecting Ghanaian football.

"If you believe that with the coach resigning, you can change the situation of football in Ghana, I'll be the first one to resign. I don't have that belief. But that is a decision of the board of the Federation," he said.

Queiroz also rejected the suggestion that Tuesday's defeat had made him a failure, arguing that setbacks should instead provide lessons for the team.

"I still have the top record of wins in international football. I am the coach in football with the most wins. And this defeat doesn't make me a loser. This defeat makes me more alert for the lessons that we take," he added.

The coach also highlighted Ghana's injury problems, claiming the Black Stars are currently without 24 players from the national A-team pool.

He specifically mentioned defensive injuries involving Alexander Djiku, Antoine Semenyo, Mumin and Marvin, while also pointing to players in the current squad who are not able to play a full 90 minutes.

Queiroz further acknowledged Ghana's wider poor run of form, saying the team's struggles did not begin with Tuesday's defeat.

Despite the disappointing start to the AFCON qualifying campaign, the Portuguese coach insisted he remains convinced that Ghana can recover.

"The Black Stars was never a problem. It is not a problem, and it will never be a problem in the future, as far as we find the solutions to bring the team together," he said.

The defeat leaves Ghana without a point from their opening two Group C matches after they began the campaign with a 2-0 loss to Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké last Thursday.

The four-time African champions now face a difficult challenge to revive their qualification hopes and secure a place at the 2027 tournament.

Ghana will return to action in October when they face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Black Stars are seeking to return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.