2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Carlos Queiroz defends Black Stars squad selection after Gambia thrashing

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has defended his team selection after the Black Stars suffered a 4-2 defeat to The Gambia in their second Group C match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Ghana surrendered a two-goal lead at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday to suffer a second consecutive defeat in the qualifiers, leaving them without a point from their opening two matches.

Queiroz insisted he had used the best players available to him and challenged anyone who disagreed to suggest alternatives.

"We have the best players available to play this game, inside the pitch and outside the pitch, and when some of our players are not on fresh legs, we have to make decisions," Queiroz said after the match.

The Portuguese coach also praised the impact of his second-half substitutes Ibrahim and Augustine, although he admitted Ghana were unable to make the most of their opportunities.

"I think Ibrahim came in very well into the game; he had a good performance in the second half. He brought the team forward," he said.

"I think Augustine brought the team forward as well. But unfortunately, we were not able to score.

"All our best available resources played the match. If you want to tell me another player that you suggest to come in, I will appreciate that."

The defeat compounds Ghana's difficult start to the qualifying campaign after they opened Group C with a 2-0 loss to Côte d'Ivoire in Bouaké last Thursday.

The Black Stars had been hoping to respond with a positive result on home soil but instead suffered another setback after throwing away their advantage against The Gambia.

With no points from their first two matches, Ghana now face a difficult task to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 tournament.

The four-time African champions will return to action in October when they face Somalia in a double-header at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghana are attempting to return to the continental showpiece after missing the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, ending their long-standing run of appearances at the tournament.